Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Monday, Dec 20, 2004
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Monday, Dec 20, 2004 |
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Agri-Biz & Commodities
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Foods & Food Processing NIN to update nutritive values of Indian foods M. Somasekhar
Hyderabad , Dec. 19 THREE decades after its landmark contribution in fixing the nutritive values of nearly 600 different foods Indians consume, the Hyderabad-based, National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), has decided to update the data available. The issues are how much protein does the rice you eat contain, or the fibre content, essential acids and other nutrients present in the staple foods, vegetables, oils and fruits we eat. But, the task is quite imposing — to analyse about 650 varieties of foods and determine the precise nutritive values all over again. This would give a good idea to people to make their choices for a balanced diet and get the required nutrition, says Dr Bhattiprolu Sivakumar, the newly-appointed Director of NIN. "We feel, the nutritive values of various foods we consume have undergone a change. For example, a recent analysis showed that the protein content in rice has gone up. Hence, the relevance of the initiative, which will be launched early 2005", Dr Sivakumar told BusinessLine. The nutritive values of foods evolved by NIN 30 year ago are followed not just in India but also in several South-East Asian nations. Within the country, the database is used by various national organisations, planners and research institutes. The nationwide exercise this time around would also include uncommon foods, such as those consumed by the tribals of North-East, for which the NIN has done elaborate studies. "We will also obtain data from the agricultural universities and other organisations involved in this areas to accelerate the project", the NIN Chief said. In two years time, a substantial amount of data would be generated using a scientific statistical sampling method. In four years, a major portion of the revamping exercise completed and nutritive values arrived at, he said. Another major exercise to be taken up immediately is the updating of the recommended intakes of foods. The National Expert Committee for the purpose consisting mostly NIN scientists would begin this activity very soon, Dr Sivakumar said. The last time the food intake values were updated was in 1999. The Expert Committee will fix how much an average Indian should consume (in calories). In addition, it would suggest dietary intakes for army, police, patients in hospitals and a range of target groups, he said. The food intake levels recommended by the expert committee are also used by the Government to determine people below poverty line, quantum of ration to people etc., in short for planning national food and agriculture strategies.
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