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From Fields to Family Health: A Nutrition- Sensitive Farming Approach in Tribal Odisha

Tribal regions of Odisha are rich in traditional crops such as millets, pulses, and green leafy vegetables, yet malnutrition remains a serious concern (National Family Health Survey-5). This article is based on a field-based research study conducted in Koraput district of Odisha, a predominantly tribal area. The study explores farmers' awareness, adoption behaviour, and constraints related to nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices. The findings reveal that while tribal farmers produce many nutritious foods, limited nutrition awareness, inadequate extension support, and resource constraints restrict their consumption at the household level. The article highlights how nutrition-sensitive agriculture, through practices such as homestead nutrition gardens, crop diversification, and nutrition education, can improve dietary diversity and family health. It emphasizes the need to integrate nutrition goals into agricultural extension programmes so that farming not only ensures food availability but also leads to better nutrition and healthier tribal communities (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2017).