Celebrated annually on October 16th, World Food Day is a global commemoration of the founding of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 1945. This past year marked the 75th Anniversary of the FAO, an event that was symbolically acknowledged by the Prime Minister of India with the release of a Rs. 75 denomination commemorative coin.
The FAO, as a specialised agency of the UN, extends its efforts internationally to tackle hunger, striving towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims for Zero Hunger.
The Importance of World Food Day
This annual observance serves as a platform to address the pressing problem of global hunger. The theme for World Food Day 2020 was “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together.” As the world grapples with the unprecedented challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, stakeholders have had to refocus their efforts on food security, nutrition, health, immunity, and sustainability.
Efforts of FAO: Working Towards a Hunger-Free World
Throughout its 75-year history, the FAO has been instrumental in boosting agricultural production and alleviating worldwide hunger, including in regions like India. A testament to the FAO’s impactful work is the awarding of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the World Food Programme, an initiative spearheaded by the FAO itself.
FAO’s Role and Challenges in India
In the context of India, the FAO has diligently monitored the country’s fight against malnutrition. However, several obstacles have hampered progress. Factors such as early-age pregnancies, lack of education and information, inadequate access to drinking water, and poor sanitation have hindered India’s journey towards achieving a “malnutrition-free India” by 2022, a goal outlined under National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyan).
FAO’s Support for India’s International Year of Millets Initiative
The FAO has backed India’s proposal to proclaim 2023 as the International Year of Millets, a move set to foster the intake of nutritious food, enhance food availability and support small and medium farmers who primarily cultivate coarse grains on their lands, often characterised by water scarcity and poor fertility.
Notable Indian Initiatives
India’s “Eat Right India” and “Fit India Movement”, in conjunction with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission and other initiatives, aim to promote health and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, India is introducing 17 new biofortified varieties of crops, such as MACS 4028 Wheat and Madhuban Gajar, to compensate for the lack of essential micronutrients in common crop varieties.
Governmental Efforts Towards Food Security and Healthier Food Practices
India continues to undertake substantial efforts geared towards food security and healthier eating practices. The government is working to provide farmers with a Minimum Support Price (MSP) that is one and a half times the cost of their produce, alongside expanding the scope of the Food Security Act, 2013. Other key initiatives include the development of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to combat grain wastage and revamping the APMC acts to increase competitiveness.
Working Towards a Trans Fat-Free India
Aligned with the vision of New India @75, the government aims to make India Trans Fat-free by 2022. Trans Fat is a food toxin present in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (e.g., vanaspati, shortening, margarine) and baked and fried foods. Trans Fat is linked to the surge in non-communicable diseases and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Eliminating this CVD risk factor is particularly critical during the Covid-19 pandemic as individuals with CVD are at a higher risk of developing severe conditions impacting mortality.
