Maternal Health and Food Security in India: A Focused Study on Palghar District
Keywords:
Food security, Maternal health, pregnant women, malnutritionAbstract
Despite national and international efforts to achieve food security, hunger, malnutrition, and poverty remain significant challenges, particularly for pregnant and lactating women. This study examined the impact of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), on 236 pregnant and lactating mothers in the tribal-dominated Palghar district of Maharashtra. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and field visits to evaluate food and financial assistance under the NFSA, TPDS, ICDS, and PMMVY. Statistical analysis using one-sample t-tests and binomial tests revealed that most women reported poor food quality (p < 0.05), only 8% received financial aid, 70% were anaemic, and just 45% regularly took iron-folic acid tablets. Barriers included local practices, limited health facilities, and low awareness. The study concluded that while NFSA aims to improve nutrition, its grassroots implementation is weak, highlighting the need for stricter monitoring, food quality checks, local accountability, and awareness programs.
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