India May Loose $46 Billion Due To Malnutrition By 2030


Bangalore: The global economic impact of malnutrition could be an astounding $125 billion by 2030, with India accounting for nearly $46 billion, revealed the first international study of its kind. As per findings of a British charity, 'Save the Children', chronically malnourished children are on average nearly 20 percent less literate than those who have a nutritious diet and it can adversely impact the economic growth of a country.

The study throws light on how lack of nutritious food can impact a child's cognitive development and its far-reaching effects on economic growth.

The study was conducted in four countries including India, Ethiopia, Peru and Vietnam and suggests that the global economic impact of malnutrition could be nearly $46 billion for India by 2030. 'Save the Children' applies probable losses of income, on a country by country basis, to predicted per capita incomes.

The report said "The results of the analysis suggest that by the time today's stunted children reach working age, they will cost the global economy $125 billion overall," as reported by PTI.

It was noted that malnourished children could earn as much as 20 percent less in adulthood and the economic cost of micronutrient malnutrition is estimated between 0.8 percent and 2.5 percent of GDP in India - equivalent to $15-46 billion.

Also Read: Soaring Food Prices: The Reason behind Malnutrition