Malnutrition in Nashik District: Causes, Impacts, and Remedies

Abstract

Malnutrition remains one of the most persistent public health and developmental challenges confronting Nashik district, Maharashtra, particularly in its tribal-dominated talukas of Peth, Surgana, Trimbakeshwar, Dindori, Kalwan, and Igatpuri. Despite Maharashtra's standing as one of India's most economically advanced states, nutritional outcomes among its tribal and rural populations remain disturbingly poor, at times comparable to or worse than some of the world's least developed nations. This paper examines the prevalence, causes, and consequences of malnutrition in Nashik district, drawing upon National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, field-based tribal health studies, and recent administrative reports on child mortality audits conducted by the Zilla Parishad. The paper finds that poverty, seasonal agricultural livelihoods, poor maternal health and education, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and entrenched sociocultural practices interact to sustain high rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence among children under five.