Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “An Uttar Pradesh model to tackle malnutrition” which was published in the Hindu. Uttar Pradesh has become a remarkable example of the importance of women’s empowerment in tackling malnutrition by supporting community-based micro enterprises led by self-help groups. 

Uttar Pradesh Initiative to Tackle Malnutrition

• A Decentralised Production: In 2020, the Department of Women and Child Development and the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission collaborated to set up a decentralised production of take home rations by women’s enterprises. 
  • The model involves the production of different variants for ICDS beneficiaries. 
• Fortified Food: These enterprises produce fortified and nutritious foods for pregnant/breastfeeding mothers and children, provided as take home ration through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme.
• Role of Anganwadi Centres: Once the rations are delivered to Anganwadi centres by the women’s groups, the women are reimbursed according to ICDS cost norms. 
• The feasibility of this model was demonstrated by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) by using two pilot plants in Unnao and Fatehpur in 2021.

Significance of UP Malnutrition Programme

• Decentralised Production of Take-home Rations: By women’s enterprises instead of private suppliers earlier.
  • 204 units across 43 districts led by over 4000 women.
• Livelihood Generation: Women earn Rs 8000 per month through these enterprises.
  • Procure ingredients locally furthering the community economy.
• Improved Nutrition: Take-home rations are more nutritious with vitamins and minerals.
  • Tailored age-wise formulations to address monotony.
• Strengthening Demand: Research on acceptability before rollout.
  • Products made more palatable through trials.
• QR Code based Tracking: Pilot project for supply chain monitoring underway.
  • It helps track production to delivery.

Conclusion

• Role of Women in Tackling Malnutrition: The State-wide expansion of micro-enterprises led by women who produce take home rations for supplementary nutrition confirms successful targeting and demonstrates how empowering women can bring about effective and sustainable processes that help improve long-term nutrition in a community. 
• A Multi-Stakeholder Approach: This also highlights the significance of a multi-stakeholder approach towards technically sound and comprehensive solutions that are scalable by leveraging the strengths of the community.