In India, nutrition issues are particularly relevant to access to safe drinking water and cooking methods. According to Sharma et al. (2022), “Recently, Indian rivers have experienced massive contamination and water quality depletion due to the entry of wastewater from different regions of India” (p. 1). People seriously suffer from this issue because many diseases are transmitted through polluted sources. These include cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea, which carry serious consequences. In addition, many households in India still use traditional cooking methods. They cook on an open fire and use solid fuel, plant residues, and manure, which results in the release of harmful pollutants.
Low-income families suffer the most from food problems in India. The largest number of such people are women and children. Among this population group, there is also a widespread problem of malnutrition. This is a rather acute problem because, according to NFHS estimates, about 30% of people were underweight, and 38% of children were stunted. (Pingali et al., 2019). It leads to delayed development and weakening of the immune system. People who endure problems with food and water often get sick, which is an obstacle to the development of the economy. They contribute to an increased burden of disease, diminished efficiency, and heightened healthcare expenses.
Key risk factors for the investigated problem are poverty, lack of access to modern energy sources, bad sanitation, and poor hygiene. To eliminate the problem with nutrition, raising awareness and educating ordinary people is necessary. Advertising banners, online videos, and collaborations with prominent individuals can be harnessed to achieve this goal.
Enhancements to sewage treatment facilities and hygiene promotion can also be implemented to overcome nutritional challenges. According to Pingali et al. (2019), “Improving water and sanitation infrastructure is essential to reduce the spread of disease, especially waterborne diseases” (p. 290). Co-friendly cooking technologies are a good solution to contribute to less indoor air pollution. Improved furnaces or cleaner fuel would contribute to a better situation.
References
Pingali, P., Aiyar, A., Abraham, M. & Rahman, A. (2019). Transforming food systems for a rising India. (C. Barrett, Ed.). Palgrave Studies in Agricultural Economics and Food Policy. Web.
Sharma, R., Kumar, R., Sharma, D. K., Sarkar, M., Mishra, B. K., Puri, V., Priyadarshini, I., Thong, P. H., Ngo, P. T. T. & Nhu, V.-H. (2022). Water pollution examination through quality analysis of different rivers: A case study in India. Environment, Development and Sustainability. Web.