ISSN 2348-1218 (print) International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations ISSN 2348-1226 (online) Vol. 9, Issue 2, pp: (157-162), Month: April - June 2021, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
THE CHANGES IN THE FOOD TAKING HABITS OF DAILY WAGERS DURING PANDEMIC Ashly Varghese M.A in English and Cultural Studies Christ ( Deemed to be University) Bangalore, India ashlyvarghese998@gmail.com
Abstract: COVID 19 has been already acquired the position in our history as a pandemic that shook the world entirely with its various effects on humanity. This pandemic has led to the shut-down of all sectors of life and have caused the dead of millions all over the world. The shut-down of industries had a huge impact on the developing countries like India where poverty is the major challenge to accomplish. Lock down has effected the daily wagers as their only source of income was in halt, agriculture sector have also suffered loss due the economic instability. This research would combine the daily wagers and agriculture by looking into the food eating pattern of daily wagers during the lock down period. The research attempted to look into the food habits of daily wagers to identify the rate of consumption of tapioca instead of rice. This paper will be conducting a semi structure interview which will be analysed to obtain the results. Keywords: daily wagers, agriculture, tapioca, lock down, pandemic.
1. INTRODUCTION The plant known as tapioca in the East is also known as cassava in Africa and manioc or yucca in South America. Originally it is native to South America and southern and western Mexico. From Mid and South America, tapioca spread to other parts of the world. It was widely grown in Africa and Southeast Asia by 1850s .There are several advantages regarding tapioca crop. It can adapt to poor soils and resist drought, making it a good famine crop. It is easily propagated by stem cuttings. It gives a relatively high yield and an excellent source of calories. Furthermore, it is relatively inexpensive to produce and (i) requires very little weeding when planted in optimal plant populations; (ii) has no critical planting date, provided there is enough moisture at planting; and (iii) its roots can be left stored in the ground and harvested when required (Hong lee fen, 2007). Tapioca is grown in India for a number of years and - its origin is traced back to either Brazil from where it was introduced by the Portuguese during the 17th J Century or brought from South America in 1840. However, the .spread of tapioca cultivation is attribute to the famous rulers of the former Travancore State who has encouraged cultivation. Of popular varieties from Malaya and other places to overcome rice shortage in the State, especially among the low income group consisting of small farmers and labour's engaged in bard physical- labour. Since tapioca is somewhat drought resistant its spread was mainly on un-irrigated rain fed land with& the application of chemical fertilisers. (George ,2000) Tapioca is the most important tropical root crop. Its starchy roots are a major source of dietary energy for more than 500 million people. It is known to be the highest producer of carbohydrates among staple crops. According to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), tapioca ranks fourth of food crops in developing countries after rice,
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