Assessing the need for integrated micronutrient data to support evidence-based decisions by Indian food system stakeholders

Access to micronutrient data is crucial for evidence-based decisions in nutritious food systems. This study aimed to explore availability, usage, challenges, and requirements of Indian food system stakeholders.

The qualitative approach drew on a purposive sample comprising government, development partners, non-governmental organizations, research, and academia having decision making responsibilities within food systems, or were implementing micronutrient programs, or providing technical support to government in India.

A focus group discussion involved twelve stakeholders at national level and in-depth interviews of ten stakeholders at national and state level was conducted. Framework analysis technique with a deductive approach was used for the identification of emerging themes/sub-themes, concepts and issues. Quotes were recognized and allocated to the identified themes.

Scattered micronutrient data available in each sector is currently used for estimating micronutrient deficiencies, updating policies, planning and scaling up programs related to fortification, supplementation and social safety nets.

Biomarker data, nutrition dashboards and food consumption data were most used; food composition and agricultural data were used less. Key challenges were the scale and frequency of surveys, and the inability to use them holistically or confidently choose the most appropriate data.

Stakeholders expressed their requirement for easy-to-use, integrated micronutrient information at varying scales. There was increasing readiness to share data, with a receptiveness for dashboard and tools containing cleaned and harmonised data sets.

The need and usage of data varied amongst different stakeholders, with a currently unmet need for integrated data, and modelling of potential micronutrient interventions .