The spatial distribution of calorie deficiency in rural India in the last three quinquennial rounds of NSS

Abstract

This paper computes calorie deficiency indicators across 75 NSS regions for the quinquennial rounds of 1987.88, 1993.94 and 1999.2000. Calorie requirements according to sedentary, moderate and heavy levels of work are used. There appears to be a sharp drop in the incidence of calorie deficiency according to each of these norms. However, regional inequality in calorie deficiency has persisted over time. The economic reforms program has been unable to make any significant dent on the spatial distribution of calorie deficiency. The results presented here facilitate easy identification of lagging areas on which nutrition enhancement policy must concentrate. Show more