CFTRI Director, Dr V Prakash, on Saturday said that the time has come to monitor the nutrition index of the country, just as we keep track of sensex, the barometer of the development of the country’s economy.
He was speaking after inaugurating the National Nutrition Week celebrations, at the Karnataka State Open University in the city.

Though nutritious food started becoming available in the country in abundance after the Green Revolution that was spearheaded by Dr Swaminathan, the same is not accessible to everyone in the country, with the underprivileged lot being deprived of it. We are now producing 200 million tonnes of foodgrains and are now exporting them too, he said.

Around 800 million children in the world are getting a meal only once in three days, the scientist noted, and said that it is in this context that it becomes necessary that we should all unite in the effort towards ending hunger in the world. Food with better nutrition leads to a better physical and mental health of the people, which can in turn help in the overall development of the country, Prakash said. Lauding the certificate course in food preservation launched by KSOU, he said that the varsity’s efforts will help in improving the overall nutrition of the people.

“One must consume a balanced diet rich in vitamin A, folic acid, zinc, iodine and iron,” the scientist said, adding that one must also take care to see that over consumption of food doesn’t lead to obesity, which can invite a number of diseases, like cardiovascular, high blood pressure or diabetes. Calling upon the people to keep a check on the calorie level of the food they consume, he stressed on the need for exercise to maintain good health. Adolescent nutrition, besides awareness on nutrition was necessary for youngsters, especially girls, he said, adding that women can play an important role by ensuring good health of the family through providing nutritious food. An exhibition on food nutrition was also inaugurated. Prof G Saraswathi of the department of food and nutrition of the University of Mysore, made a presentation on what constitutes nutritious food and the dos and don’ts with regard to consuming a healthy diet. Dr Jamuna Prakash, KSOU VC Vivek Rai and others were present.