20% of Madhya Pradesh’s population represent tribal communities. However, their incomes are dependent on agriculture and forest produce and the literacy rates are also low. Low yield and inconsistent income force the adults to look for paid labor and leave children to fend for themselves. Neglect and lack of diversity in diet has dramatically increased the prevalence of undernutrition in children.

National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, in its study found that the under-nutrition levels were as high as 33% for wasting, 54% for underweight, and 47% for stunting. Given the above figures, almost 50% of children under five within the district of Dhar are undernourished.