ABSTRACT

Food security exists when all people have access to enough nutritious food for a healthy life at all times. The present study assessed food and nutritional security of rural farm families of Bidar district of Kalyana Karnataka region during the year 2023-2024. A total of 100 farm families residing in two taluks viz., Humnabad and Chitguppa covering 4 villages were selected. The information on food and nutrition security indices of farm families were collected using pretested questionnaire along with general information and socioeconomic status. Secondary data on cropping pattern was collected from developmental departments. The results revealed that, of the total population, majority belonged to upper middle in Humnabad (46%) and Chitguppa (48%) categories. Low dietary diversity scores are more prevalent in Chitguppa taluka (78%). Most of the population had an acceptable food consumption score. The household’s food security was 38 per cent in Humnabad and 40 per cent in Chitguppa families. Higher proportion (92%) of farm families in Chitguppa were found to be mildly food secured. The farm families (>90%) of both taluks had adequate food for more than 8 months. Jowar production was found to be significantly (p<0.01) high in both taluks. About 25 per cent of children were wasted and more than 40 per cent were under weight. More than 40 per cent of the children were stunted in both the talukas. Household hunger in Chitguppa correlated positively with socio economic status and the results were found to be significant (p<0.05). Household expenditure found positively correlated (p<0.01) with SES. The farm families were either secured with food or experienced mild food insecurity.