Which district in Odisha typically has the highest malnutrition rates?

Nabarangpur
Malkangiri
Kandhamal
Rayagada

The correct answer is: a) Nabarangpur.

Nabarangpur is a district in Odisha, India. It is one of the most backward districts in the state, with a high incidence of poverty and malnutrition. According to the 2011 census, the poverty rate in Nabarangpur district was 48.5%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 21.9%. The district also has a high rate of malnutrition, with 40% of children under the age of five being stunted.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the high levels of poverty and malnutrition in Nabarangpur district. These include:

  • The remoteness of the district, which makes it difficult for people to access basic services such as healthcare and education.
  • The lack of economic opportunities in the district, which means that many people are unable to earn a decent living.
  • The prevalence of social and cultural practices that discriminate against women and girls, which can lead to them being denied access to food and other resources.

The government of Odisha has taken a number of steps to address the problem of poverty and malnutrition in Nabarangpur district. These include:

  • Investing in infrastructure development, such as roads, schools, and hospitals.
  • Promoting economic development, such as by providing financial assistance to small businesses.
  • Implementing social welfare programs, such as the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), which provides food and nutrition to children under the age of six.

Despite these efforts, the problem of poverty and malnutrition in Nabarangpur district remains a serious one. More needs to be done to ensure that all people in the district have access to the basic necessities of life, such as food, water, and healthcare.