'Make nutrition as one of the indicators of development'

Renowned agri-scientist M S Swaminathan led Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security today called for making nutrition as one of the indicators of economic and social development in India.
The Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security today convened a meeting of technical experts on the steps required to improve nutrition.
On the basis of discussions and recommendations given by the experts during the meeting were included in an action agenda for nutrition security which was released by M S Swaminathan.
While releasing the agenda Swaminathan said, "New frontiers of the mind and technology are before us, and if they are pioneered with the same vision, boldness and drive with which the battle against food shortage was fought through the green revolution, we can achieve the goal of zero Hunger sooner than generally considered possible."

The action agenda calls for special focus on children under two years of age, pregnant women and adolescent girls.
"Position nutrition as a economic and social development indicator and establish a reliable system for periodic data- driven updates on the state of nutrition in India," the paper added.

The paper also emphasised on equitable access to food security, primary health care, safe drinking water, environmental and household sanitation.
It has also mentioned the need to address gender issues pertaining to women's education and delaying age of conception.
Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security in India is a group of organisations and individuals concerned with the unacceptable levels of malnutrition prevailing in the country. The Coalition was established in 2007 and is chaired by M S Swaminathan.