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Context
Global hunger and malnutrition persist despite advancements in food production. The UN’s “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025” report indicates that 673 million people were still undernourished in 2024, a decrease from the previous year but highlighting the ongoing need for action. India plays a crucial role in the global effort to combat hunger given its large population and rates of poverty and malnutrition.
India’s achievements and contributions
India’s significant role in addressing global hunger is evident in several key areas:
- Significant reduction in undernourishment: India has made substantial progress in reducing hunger, lowering the prevalence of undernourishment to 12% in 2022-24, leading to 30 million fewer people experiencing hunger. This achievement is noteworthy considering India’s large population.
- Robust Public Distribution System (PDS): India’s PDS supports over 800 million beneficiaries.
- Investments in food security and nutrition: India has prioritized strategic policy investments in food security and nutrition. The government participates in international forums and collaborates with organizations like the FAO and WFP, sharing expertise in agriculture and food productivity.
Structural challenges and transformation
- Challenges include boosting the production of nutrient-rich foods.
- Weak infrastructure and supply chain issues, including inadequate cold storage, contribute to significant food losses. India loses approximately 13% of its food between farms and markets.
- Solutions involve investing in post-harvest infrastructure and supporting local cooperatives.
- Promoting climate-resilient farming and empowering women in agriculture are essential for enhancing livelihoods and local nutrition outcomes.
- India’s management of grain reserves helps stabilize food prices and offers a model for other nations.
- India has achieved food grain sufficiency, but needs to expand its focus to ensure nutritional adequacy and address the “triple burden” of malnutrition. Initiatives like PM POSHAN and ICDS aim to improve the nutritional quality of diets.
Way forward
India’s progress in reducing hunger is encouraging, but sustained effort requires a holistic approach focused on nutrition, resilience, and opportunity.
- Strengthening and diversifying the PDS to include more nutritious foods.
- Investing in climate-resilient agriculture, promoting dietary diversification, and empowering women.
- Enhancing nutrition education.
- Improving post-harvest management and reducing food waste through investments in infrastructure.
- Implementing a life-cycle approach to nutrition addressing the needs of different age groups.
Conclusion
India’s leadership and innovative approach to food security and hunger have significant potential for the global community. By prioritizing nutrition, building resilient food systems, and fostering inclusive growth, India can continue to reduce hunger and inspire other nations. India’s journey demonstrates that with political will, digital governance, and targeted welfare, significant progress towards Zero Hunger by 2030 is achievable.
Source: The Hindu
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