The problem of hidden-hunger is complex, and different terms are used to describe its various forms. Hunger is usually understood to refer to the distress associated with a lack of sufficient calories. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines food deprivation, or undernourishment, as the consumption of too few calories to provide the minimum amount of dietary energy that each individual requires to for a healthy and productive life. Under-nutrition goes beyond calories and signifies deficiencies in any or all of the following: energy, protein, and/ or essential vitamins and minerals. Under-nutrition is the result of inadequate intake of food in terms of either quantity or quality, poor utilization of nutrients due to infections or other illnesses, or a combination of these factors. Malnutrition refers more broadly to both under-nutrition (problems caused by deficiencies) and over-nutrition (problems caused by unbalanced diets, such as consuming too much calories in relation to requirements with or without low intake of micronutrient rich foods).

Scientific and developmental contributions of Dr. Prem Nath, Chairman, Prem Nath Agricultural Science Foundation (PNASF), Bengaluru, in the march of India to attain self-sufficiency in vegetables are well recognized.
The present book Vegetables for Nutrition Security authored by him is a compilation of 29 of the most essential chapters in Vegetable science by Dr. Prem Nath and his associates. Compiled and Edited by Prof. KV Peter and Dr. KRM Swamy

1. Bondage Between Horticulture and Humanity
2. Horticulture: International and National Mandate
3. Genesis of Nutrition Security
4. Factors Influencing Nutrition Security
5. United Nations Development Goals
6. FAO TeleFood Project
7. FAO’s Special Programme for Food Security
8. Concept and Implementation of Food Security and its Relevance to Urban And Peri-Urban Agriculture
9. Driving Forces and Developing National Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) Programme
10. Essential Elements and Operational Mechanism of State Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) Programme
11. Involving Stakeholders in Developing Food and Nutrition Security Programs
12. Nutrients and Nutrition Education
13. Changes in Food and Nutrition Policies
14. Vegetables as food
15. Science of Nutrition
16. Evolution of the Concept of Nutrients
17. Nutrients and Nutrition of Man
18. Nutrients to promote health
19. Nutrients and Human Nutrition
20. Evolution of Technology and Practice of Nutrition
21. Plant Breeding, Fertilizer Application and Nutrition
22. Developing Genetically High Yielding Nutritious Crops
23. Identifying Objectives for Breeding Improved Vegetable Varieties
24. Vegetables for Food and Nutrition Security
25. Vegetables: Food and Nutrition Security
26. Positive human forces in support of Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) Programme
27. Negative human forces working against Food and Nutrition Security
28. Integration of the Basics of Human Civilization in Food and Nutrition Security Drive
29. Food and Nutrition Crisis
30. Most Quoted Papers of Dr. Prem Nath