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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Korku, Gond tribals eat protein deficient diet

Korku, Gond tribals eat protein deficient diet

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published Published on Feb 7, 2012   modified Modified on Feb 7, 2012
-The Times of India
 
According to the study conducted by a botany student for her PhD thesis, highly protein deficient diet of Korku and Gond tribes in Central India is one of the reasons of malnutrition in them. Mostly these tribal people eat only locally available plant-based diets which are rich sources of carbohydrates, some minerals and vitamins but no proteins.

Study suggests identification and consumption of locally available beans, mushrooms and certain forest-based protein rich plants to overcome the problem.

The research conducted by Amit Kaur Puri, under the guidance of Prof Alka Chaturvedi, head of botany department, in forest and tribal belts of Gadchiroli, Yavatmal, Amravati and some parts of Nagpur found that majority of the population of these two tribes depend largely on the locally available and traditionally known plant parts based foods like fruits, stems, roots etc.

Titled 'nutritional aspects of non conventional foods consumed by Gond and Korku tribes inhabiting Vidarbha' identified 14 commonly used plants consumed by them in Sironcha, Etapalli, Bhamragarh, Tipdgad in Gadchiroli district, Mul, Gondpipri and Nagbhid in Chandrapur district, Bitargaon and Arvi in Yavatmal district, Chikhaldara, Dharni, Dhmgaon, Ner and Sirasgaon in Amravati district and Devalapar in Nagpur district in Vidarbha.

"But unfortunately most of these plants sources are good sources of carbohydrates but is devoid of proteins. They do contain good quantities of certain minerals and vitamins, sometimes more than vegetables and fruits the urbanites consume. But these are still not enough as per the requirement of human body. This is one of the basic reasons for malnutrition," said Chaturvedi.

The tribals still depend on forest-based tubers, leaves and flowers. In kitchen gardens, they cannot grow pulses, the only other available sources of protein, as they have no access to milk or meat.

"But there are many local protein rich plants available which can be promoted among the tribals by educating them on the importance of proteins in the diet. They can be also informed about growing only locally available beans which are good source of proteins. Another protein source is forest-based edible mushrooms," said Puri.

The study also revealed that since they are no longer into agriculture they do little physical work, they don't feel the need for heavy meals. The existing diet in both these tribes is extremely inadequate for even minimum growth. Besides the protein deficient food, they follow some wrong cooking method, also, don't eat certain foods due to taboos. Poor sanitation and unhygienic practices add to the problems making them extremely prone to infections.

Suggestions

Identify the protein-rich plants and promote their consumption.

Every tribal family could be asked to opt for a small kitchen garden with five locally available and easy growing beans (good protein source).

Dehydrated plant products too can be used during non season.

Forest mushrooms.

Red and pea gram.

The Times of India, 6 February, 2012, http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-06/nagpur/31030039_1_protein-tribals-korku


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