The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) of ICAR has initiated an ambitious campaign called the Rainbow Diet Campaign. This program aims to promote the health and wellness of tribals in a natural and affordable way. In this article, we will delve into the details of this campaign, which is highly relevant for the IAS exam’s social issues and health segments.
The Rainbow Diet Campaign:
The Rainbow Diet Campaign, established by the ICAR-CTCRI, utilizes field interventions to encourage the growth and utilization of biofortified tuber crop varieties. This initiative focuses on three specialized programs: Capacity Plus, SCHOOL CONNECT, and Nutriseed Village. These programs aim to create awareness and facilitate the adoption of biofortified tuber crops among tribal communities.
Understanding Biofortified Tubers:
Biofortified tubers are varieties of tuber crops that have been enhanced to contain higher levels of essential nutrients. The campaign emphasizes the cultivation and consumption of biofortified sweet potato, cassava, and millets, which collectively form the “tuber crops rainbow diet.” This diet provides a balanced nutrition solution to combat malnutrition effectively.
Objectives of the Campaign:
The Rainbow Diet Campaign has the following key objectives:
- Popularizing Biofortified Tubers: The campaign aims to raise awareness and promote the consumption of biofortified tubers and their value-added products among tribal communities. By doing so, it seeks to address the issue of malnutrition and ensure access to a balanced diet.
- Expanding the Campaign’s Reach: The campaign aims to extend its tuber crop-based ‘rainbow diet’ initiative to regions across the country that have significant tribal populations. By reaching more areas, the campaign can make a broader impact and improve the overall health and wellness of tribal communities.
Understanding Tubers:
Tubers are specialized structures found in certain plants that serve as storage organs for nutrients. Some commonly known tubers include yams, aroids, sweet potatoes, cassava, and potatoes. These tuber crops offer several benefits:
- Rich Source of Complex Carbohydrates: Tubers are abundant in complex carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
- Nutrient-Rich: Tubers are not only rich in carbohydrates but also provide a range of minerals and vitamins necessary for overall well-being. Including tubers in the diet helps ensure the intake of these vital nutrients.
- Low Toxin Content: Tubers are known to have lower toxin levels compared to other plant parts. This characteristic makes them safe for consumption and reduces the risk of adverse health effects.
- Tissue Damage Minimization: Tubers possess properties that help minimize tissue damage. This makes them suitable for consumption and beneficial for maintaining good health.
Important Points:
- The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) launched the Rainbow Diet Campaign to promote the health and wellness of tribals in an affordable and natural way.
- The campaign focuses on popularizing biofortified tubers and their value-added products among tribal communities to address malnutrition and ensure a balanced diet.
- The Rainbow Diet Campaign is carried out through three specialized programs: Capacity Plus, SCHOOL CONNECT, and Nutriseed Village.
- The campaign encourages the growth and utilization of biofortified sweet potato, cassava, and millets, collectively forming the “tuber crops rainbow diet.”
- Biofortified tubers have enhanced levels of essential nutrients and offer numerous health benefits.
- Tubers are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, while being low in toxins.
- Tubers minimize tissue damage, making them suitable for consumption and beneficial for overall health.
- The objectives of the campaign include popularizing biofortified tubers among tribal communities and expanding the campaign’s reach to areas with significant tribal populations.
- The campaign is relevant for the IAS exam’s social issues and health segments, emphasizing the importance of addressing malnutrition and promoting balanced diets.
- Through initiatives like the Rainbow Diet Campaign, significant strides can be made in improving the health and well-being of tribal populations.
Why In News
A central government agriculture research institute has taken a groundbreaking step by launching the Rainbow Diet Campaign, an ambitious initiative aimed at promoting the health and wellness of tribals through a natural and cost-effective approach. By emphasizing the consumption of a diverse range of colorful fruits, vegetables, and grains, this campaign seeks to improve the nutritional intake of tribal communities while ensuring affordability and sustainability.
MCQs about The Rainbow Diet Campaign
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What is the main objective of the Rainbow Diet Campaign?
A. To promote the consumption of fast food among tribals.
B. To encourage the growth and utilization of biofortified tubers among tribal communities.
C. To popularize processed foods among the tribal population.
D. To promote the use of chemical fertilizers in tuber crop cultivation.
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Which of the following are examples of tuber crops?
A. Wheat and rice.
B. Lentils and beans.
C. Sweet potatoes and cassava.
D. Apples and oranges.
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What are the benefits of including tubers in the diet?
A. They are a good source of complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients.
B. They are high in toxins, which help in detoxification.
C. They have minimal nutritional value and are mostly empty calories.
D. They are known to cause tissue damage and should be avoided.
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Why is expanding the campaign’s reach important?
A. To increase profits for the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute.
B. To target urban populations instead of tribal communities.
C. To ensure more areas with tribal populations benefit from the initiative.
D. To discourage the consumption of tuber crops among tribals.
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