International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue X, October 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Analysis of Trends in Food Supply and Intake in Bangladesh
Farzana Sultana Bari1, Sanjib Ahmad Talukder Tonoy2, Tasrin Jahan1, Mohammad Abdul Mannan3, Abdus Salam Mondol1*
1Department of Public Health Nutrition, Primeasia University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2Hi-Care General Hospital Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh
3Nutrition Policy Advisor, Meeting the Undernutrition challenge (MUCH) FPMU, Ministry of Food, Bangladesh
*Corresponding Author
Abstract: the nutritional scenario is gradually improving in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study presents analytical description on the supply trend of rice, wheat, total cereals, pulses, edible oil or oil seeds, sugar or sugarcane, etc during 2004, 2010, and 2016. These statuses have been based on change in supply levels in the light of data available. Data available on food supply from food balance sheet in FAOSTAT of FAO; on food intake from Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) were the basis of trend analysis of the study. In the year of 2004 to 2016 total food supply increased from 297.6kg to 417.21kg per capita year: whereas during the same period the total food intake decreased from 856.1g to 852.67g per capita per day in the country. There might be surplus of cereals in the country, but these prospects are likely to reduce in the years to come. This situation is even more alarming for pulses. Food based approach particularly supply of adequate safe and nutritious food, adequate intake of diversified food can ensure sustainable health and nutritional status of the population. To meet the future food requirements, the country have to either increase food production and supply, or depend on imports.
Keywords: Food supply, Food intake, Trend analysis, Bangladesh
I. INTRODUCTION
Nutrition is a dynamic process involving food values, food processing, digestion and assimilation of food for nourishing the body. Malnutrition results from inadequate food intake, increased nutrients need, decreased nutrient absorption and/ or increased nutrient losses (Muaz, 2010). Food is consumed by every individual as an essential item of living (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Report, 2006). It is important to know the feasibility of achieving food supply and food intake constraints that are crucial. The imbalance between food supply and food intake impacts the prices and profitability. Thus, the intake side and supply side become very relevant to make policy interventions.
Intake and supply prospects of food items become important indicators to the country’s food availability concerns. These projections are based on at the national levels of food supply and food intake. Although, various intake and supply estimates are available for cereals with alternative assumptions in literature, and beside much has been said about other food items. The intake and supply estimates for food items like, cereals, potatoes and products, pulses, edible