It is now realised that malnutrition has to be addressed on a life cycle approach.  Children below 1000 days in age require special attention, since malnutrition at this young age leads to several defects including impaired cognitive ability. 

Similarly, the three components of malnutrition, namely, under-nutrition, protein hunger and hidden hunger caused by the deficiency of micro-nutrients in the diet will have to be remedied taking into account the age and activity of the individual.

 I hope the National Nutrition Week will provide guidelines for achieving the goal of freedom from malnutrition.  The nutrient deficiencies causing hidden hunger require particular attention.  It is best to attack this problem through greater production and consumption of bio-fortified crops. 

MSSRF is establishing a grid of Genetic Gardens of Bio-fortified Crops for this purpose.