Studies on Food Habits and Nutritional Status of Tribals of Purnia District of Bihar

There are about 400 tribal groups in India constituting about 8 per cent of the countrys' population. Their habitat are scattered in the country in varied ecological and climatic conditions. Their population is mainly concentrated in the states like Chatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujrat and Rajasthan. Studies in tribal foods and nutrition have only recently been receiving interest. Most of the work has been concentrated on the tribals of Central and Southern India. Wide variations have been noted concerning their nutritional aspects from place to place.