India ranks 71st in the Global Food Security (GFS) Index 2021, showcasing an improvement from its previous position at 101st in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the Global Food Security Index, the key issues highlighted in the report, and some of the initiatives the Indian government has taken to combat food insecurity.
About the Global Food Security Index
The GFS Index is an annual publication now in its tenth year, developed by the London-based organization, Economist Impact, and sponsored by Corteva Agriscience. The index gauges the fundamental drivers of food security based on several factors: affordability, availability, quality and safety, and natural resources and resilience. Such an assessment utilises 58 distinct food security indicators, which include income and economic inequality. The goal of the GFS index is to underline systemic gaps and suggest necessary actions to advance toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.
Findings of the GFS Index 2021: India and Global Scenario
The top ten countries in the GFS 2021 are Ireland, Austria, the UK, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, France, and the US. Each boasting GFS scores between 77.8 and 80 points. India, on the other hand, secured the 71st position amongst 113 countries with a total score of 57.2 points. Despite lagging behind China, which holds the 34th position, India fared better than neighbouring countries Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
However, over the past decade, India’s incremental gains in overall food security score have been slower compared to Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. While India’s score improved by 2.7 points from 2012 to 2021, Pakistan saw a more significant increase of 9 points during the same period. Pakistan scored higher than India in the food affordability category, with Sri Lanka performing even better. In terms of the remaining three factors, India outperformed Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Global Concerns and Suggestions
Unfortunately, global food security has been on the decline for the second consecutive year, following seven years of progress. Despite significant strides in addressing food insecurity over the past ten years, food systems remain susceptible to economic, climatic, and geopolitical shocks.
To counter these challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030, immediate action is required at local, national, and global levels. This includes sustaining investments in food security initiatives ranging from innovative climate-resilient crop yields to assistance programs for the most vulnerable demographics.
Government Initiatives to Combat Food Insecurity in India
In response to food security concerns, the Indian government has led several initiatives. These include the Eat Right India Movement, POSHAN Abhiyan, Food Fortification, National Food Security Act 2013, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, and the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). Each of these programs endeavours to address different aspects of food security, demonstrating the government’s commitment to making strides toward a hunger-free nation.