The following table shows the proportion of undernourished adults in India. It is based on a survey of various states for the year 2001. Look at the table and answer the following questions.
(i) Compare the nutritional level of people in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
(ii) Can you guess why around 40 per cent of people in the country are
undernourished even though it is argued that there is enough food in the
country? Describe in your own words.
Answer
(i) The nutritional level of people of Kerala is quite higher than the people �
both males and females of Madhya Pradesh. Their ratio of the under-nourished is
less than that of Madhya Pradesh.
(ii) There is enough food in the country, even then 40% of the people in the
country are undernourished because:
→ A large number of people are so poor that they cannot afford nutritious food.
→ In most of the states, the Public Distribution System (PDS) does not function
properly and the poor people cannot get cheap food items.
→ There is lack of educational and health facilities in many parts of the
country. So many people remain backward and poor. As such, they are unable to
get nutritious food.
