Levels of Malnutrition and Socio-economic Conditions Among Maria Gonds

Socioeconomic conditions like agricultural pattern and occupation structure am different among the tribals and are determined by the ecosystem in which they live. A comparative study was made between Maria Gonds of Bhamragad area of Maharashtra and Bastar of Madhya Pradesh which are adjacent to each other. The average monthly per caput income was Rs. 50/- among Mana Gonds of Bhamragad and it was only Rs. 25/ among Maria Goods of Bastar Labour (66 2%) was major source of income in Bhamragad as against agriculture (69.9%) in case of Bastar. Bom by extent and type of mal nutrition. Mana GonJs of Bhamragad were comparatively better than those of Bastar. The dependency of the Maria Gonds of Bastar entirely on primitive form of agriculture with very low yields of food grains and lack of income generating activities in the area resulted in low per capita income which ultimately reflected in their poor nutritional status.