Crop Diversification and Nutrition Security: Extent, Linkage and Determinants

Since the Green Revolution era, the cropping pattern in parts of northern India, which includes parts of Uttarakhand, has been dominated by paddy and wheat. Crop diversification is said to have a positive relationship with food and nutritional security. It is essential to consider where such dominant cropping patterns or crop diversification have led us in terms of food and nutritional security. This study examines the extent of district-level crop diversification in Uttarakhand using the Simpson index of diversification, as well as the extent of district-level nutritional security using the nutritional diversification index, for the period 1990–2019. Average values of the crop diversification index and nutritional diversification index for the periods 1990–99, 2000–09, and 2010–17 were calculated. It was found that crop specialization has occurred in the plain districts of Uttarakhand, namely Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar, whereas in the remaining 11 hilly districts, crop diversification has largely prevailed. The results of nutritional diversification were mixed in hilly districts. Only Champawat and Dehradun clearly showed nutrition diversification and nutritional specialization, respectively. In the two plain districts, nutritional diversification was observed over the first two decades, after which nutritional specialization was observed. The development of bio-fortified varieties and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all people are key ways to achieve food and nutritional security through crop diversification.