A recent study highlights the paradox of widespread protein deficiency in households with access to protein-rich foods, pointing to cultural habits, low nutritional awareness, and economic constraints as key factors

In rural India, where agriculture sustains millions, a surprising paradox is emerging—despite the availability of protein-rich foods, many households continue to suffer from protein deficiency. A new study, published by scientists from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and the Center for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), sheds light on this alarming trend.

The study, conducted across six states and nine districts, found that more than two-thirds of the households surveyed consume less protein than recommended, even though they have sufficient access to protein-rich foods such as legumes, dairy, and livestock products.

Agricultural regions in India’s semi-arid tropics have long relied on staple grains like rice and wheat, which account for 60–75 per cent of daily protein intake. While these grains do provide some protein, they lack essential amino acids necessary for a well-balanced diet.

Yet, protein-rich foods such as pulses, dairy, eggs, and meat are underutilized. The study highlights that this is not due to scarcity, but rather a combination of deep-rooted cultural food preferences, limited awareness about the importance of protein, and financial barriers. In a small percentage of households, inadequate protein intake can be attributed to the availability and affordability of these foods, but the core issue seems to lie in ingrained dietary habits.

This research challenges the widely-held belief that food insecurity is solely an issue of affordability. Instead, it reveals how cultural norms and a lack of nutritional understanding play a significant role in perpetuating malnutrition in these regions.

Experts suggest that increasing awareness about balanced nutrition and the importance of protein, alongside improving access to diverse food options, could be key to addressing this hidden crisis. Without addressing these underlying issues, rural India may continue to face a silent epidemic of malnutrition despite abundant food resources.