Distribution Prospects of Prepared Meals in Uttar Pradesh
In recent years, Uttar Pradesh's Take-Home Ration (THR) units have played a crucial role in providing nutritious meals to more than a million beneficiaries, as part of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). However, a study by Schwarz et al. (2018) has highlighted several areas for improvement, particularly in recipe composition, production and distribution, and monitoring and accountability.
Currently, the procurement of raw materials for THR units in UP is fragmented, leading to varying prices and quality across districts. To address this issue, a district-level e-tendering platform involving women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and community-based organisations is proposed for raw material procurement.
Since 2022-23, over 200 THR microenterprise units have been established in 40-odd districts of UP, managed by women SHGs under the State Rural Livelihood Mission and the World Food Programme. These units offer fortified, calorie-counted, ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat products to children and pregnant and lactating women.
However, the THR units in UP lack diversity and customization compared to best practices in states like Kerala, Odisha, Gujarat, and Telangana. For instance, several THR recipes, such as Atta Besan Barfi premix for pregnant and lactating women and Energy-Dense Halwa (EDH) for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) children, are not profitable and have a minimal share in the product mix.
To improve the operational efficacy of THR units, several strategies have been suggested. The ICDS department, in association with the state rural livelihood mission, should internalize inflation-adjusted raw material costs into product prices. Performance-linked solarization support and monthly training programs for women working in the plants on hygiene, food safety, and machine handling can also significantly improve THR operational efficacy.
Moreover, the hub and spoke model can make the THR supply chain effective by maintaining a two-week buffer stock. Common machinery leasing centres can address production facility shortcomings.
Organisations involved in developing e-tendering platforms for procurement of raw materials for THR units at the district level include European Union bodies focusing on digitalisation and public procurement reforms. These initiatives emphasise interoperability, cybersecurity, and ease of use for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). However, exact institution names and implementation timelines for these specific platforms are not detailed in the available sources. The broader EU strategy aims to advance digital public procurement frameworks by around 2025.
It's important to note that the views expressed in this article are personal. The energy-dense halwa, for instance, has shown to improve weight gain and physical activity for most SAM beneficiaries. On the other hand, dry rations like dal and chana are preferred over energy-dense halwa due to taste constraints.
As we strive to improve the nutritional security of children and mothers in UP, it's crucial to address the challenges faced by THR units and implement strategies that ensure the provision of nutritious, affordable, and customised meals for all beneficiaries.
This article was published on September 19, 2025.
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