New Delhi, Feb. 14 -- A new study by scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and the Center for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) has revealed something surprising: many Indians in rural areas suffer from protein deficiency in spite of producing sufficient protein-rich foods or being able to afford them.

The study was conducted across six states and nine districts. The researchers found that diets in these areas were dominated by cereals like rice and wheat, which contributed 60-75 per cent of daily protein intake.

But while these foods provide some protein, they lack the essential amino acids necessary for balanced nutrition...