Seasonal migration for sugarcane harvesting is common in Maharashtra and provides income to many poor families. However, this migration creates serious problems for the health and nutrition of workers’ children. This study examines the impact of seasonal migration on the nutritional status of children of sugarcane harvesting workers, with special reference to the Sahyadri Sugar Factory, Karad, Maharashtra. The study is based on primary data collected from 463 migrant children using household surveys and simple dietary recall methods. The findings show that most children suffer from poor and unbalanced diets during the migration period. About 96.11% of children receive only two meals a day, which reflects food insecurity. Fresh food intake is limited, as 86.61% of children consume fresh food only in the evening. The daily diet mainly consists of cheap staple foods such as bhakari and rice, while nutritious items like vegetables, pulses, fruits, milk, and eggs are consumed in very small quantities. Intake of fruits, sprouted cereals, and dry fruits is almost absent, indicating a high risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Seasonal migration affects children’s nutrition by disrupting regular income, access to public food distribution, and nutrition services at the worksite. Families often lack proper cooking facilities and depend on monotonous, low-cost food. The study concludes that poor nutrition among migrant children is not due to parental neglect but is mainly caused by migration-related hardships and policy gaps. Strengthening migrant-friendly nutrition programs and providing on-site child support services are essential to improve the nutritional status of these children.
Shital et al. (Mon,) studied this question.