Study on Weight Gain Efforts through Indigenous Technical Knowledge

Abstract

Introduction: In India, under-five child malnutrition is a serious public health issue. This is demonstrated by the fact that India has one of the highest rates of underweight children worldwide. Aims: The study was carried out to assess the spatial distribution of nutritional status of children of 1-5 years through weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height data collected by the KVK. Preschoolers' dietary health was regressed on several sociodemographic factors after eliminating the effect of age. The information reveals that children's nutritional condition varies geographically and by gender in India. Methodology: A study was conducted in district Seoni of Madhya Pradesh to eliminate malnutrition via using indigenous technical knowledge (ITK). The trials were conducted in three following years viz 2020 to 2023. Primarily the training was conducted of mothers along with Anganwadi workers regarding the addition of sweet rice to kids from 1-5 years age group.  Results: There was twice-daily portions of sweet rice, was prepared by using Jaggery by adding water, desi ghee, and roasted rice dry fruits added to it and then it cooked for 15-30 min and given for 45 days.  The average body weight gain after evaluation and personal conversations of mothers was recorded as 9.91 kg and the proportion change against farmers practice was 13.48. Conclusion: The study concluded that rice prevalent areas and rice-based food habits for mothers and children should be adopted the sweet rice (ITK) the recommended practice against farmers’ practice.