Malnutrition at unacceptable levels, make agriculture nutrition sensitive: Naidu
Chennai, July 29 : Decrying persisting malnutrition in the country at "unacceptable levels", Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday called for making agriculture nutrition-sensitive to address the problem.
There is no improvement despite the efforts taken by successive governments at Centre and in various states, which is "quite distressing", he said while addressing the National Consultation on Leveraging Agriculture for Nutrition organised by MS Swaminathan Research Foundation.
"A considerable section of the population in our country suffers from malnutrition consisting of under-nutrition, hidden hunger caused by micronutrient deficiencies and obesity...We must make agriculture nutrition-sensitive and it is critical that we explicitly make this vital connection between agriculture and nutrition," he said, as per a release.
His remarks came against the backdrop of three sisters that were found to have starved to death in east Delhi and doctors held severe malnutrition as the main cause for their deaths.
India stood a poor 100th among 119 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) that was released in October last year.
Naidu further said the central government has adopted The National Nutrition Strategy, which recognises the imperative need to have a relook at the agriculture policy.
He said Indian agriculture must diversify food production by moving away from mono-cropping of major cereals to a system that integrates a variety of food items including small millets, pulses, fruits, and vegetables.
"Millets like jowar, bajra, ragi and little millets like kutki, kodo, sawa, kangni and cheena are known to be nutrient-rich. Since cultivation of millets requires less water, efforts must be to promote their cultivation as part of crop rotation," he said.
Naidu said that government, civil society, scientists and researchers must share knowledge and expertise with farmers to make agriculture sustainable and nutrition-rich.
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Bearys Group of Institutions establish new PU College in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: A new pre-University college, "Bearys Integrated Pre-University College," has been established under the esteemed Bearys Group of Institutions in Mangalore. The institution, renowned for its century-long service to society through various educational initiatives, has established the new college at Inoli BIT Engineering Campus.
Scheduled to commence classes in June for the academic year 2024-25, the college has already commenced the enrollment process. It offers a diverse range of combinations in the science department, including PCMB, PCMC, and CEBA, along with commerce options. Additionally, the institution provides coaching for competitive exams such as CET, NEET, JEE, NATA, and CA foundation, essential for professional education.
Emphasizing a stress-free and student-friendly approach, the college prioritizes personality development alongside academic learning, fostering discipline and creative values. Notably, deserving, economically disadvantaged, talented students, and sports enthusiasts from the community will receive special fee exemptions.
The institute boasts comprehensive facilities, including a well-equipped stadium, college vehicles, laboratories, library, accommodation, and canteen, all managed by experienced and skilled lecturers. Syed Mohamed Beary, the founder president of the institution, shared these details in the official announcement.
