Protein and India’s Nutrition Crisis


India has grappled with undernutrition and malnutrition since decades. While the causes remain multifaceted, one of them is the protein deficiency in our dietary patterns as a country. Yet, only recently has protein entered the spotlight in India’s nutrition debate, with a singular focus on the nutrient’s need. It raises an important question, can protein deficiency truly be addressed in isolation, without considering the broader context of holistic nutrition? ICMR–NIN’s What India Eats shows that 36% of rural and 44% of urban Indians fall short on protein.1 NFHS-5 underscores this crisis, with 35% of children under five stunted and 32% underweight.2 Protein isn’t just a fitness buzzword, it is vital for child growth, maternal health and muscle strength across ages.3 By treating protein deficiency as a public health priority, India can take a more holistic approach to closing long-standing nutrition gaps.

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