India faces a massive challenge with food loss that affects its economy, food security and climate. Nearly one-third of the food produced globally is lost or wasted. India, as a major food producer, suffers heavy post-harvest losses across many crops. These losses not only reduce farmer incomes but also harm the environment and worsen climate change.
Scale and Economic Impact of Food Loss
India loses about ₹1.5 trillion annually due to post-harvest food loss. This equals nearly 3.7% of the country’s agricultural GDP. Fruits and vegetables suffer the highest losses at 10-15%. Staples like paddy and wheat also see wastage, at 4.8% and 4.2% respectively. Each tonne lost wastes water, energy and labour. The losses amount to millions of tonnes yearly, threatening food availability and farmer livelihoods.
Food Loss and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Food loss contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. A study covering 30 crops and livestock products found that losses produce over 33 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions annually in India. Paddy alone emits more than 10 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent due to methane from rice cultivation. Livestock product losses also have a large carbon footprint. Most losses happen early in the supply chain during handling, processing and distribution, unlike in wealthier countries where consumer waste dominates.
Government Efforts and Monitoring
India has conducted multiple national surveys on post-harvest losses covering over 50 crops. The inclusion of SDG indicator 12.3.1 in the National Indicator Framework helps track progress on reducing food loss and waste. Collaboration with international bodies like the FAO and support from the Green Climate Fund have improved data on emissions linked to food loss. These efforts guide policy and interventions at state and sector levels.
Technological and Infrastructure Solutions
Weak infrastructure is a key cause of food loss. Strengthening cold chains from pre-cooling to refrigerated transport is essential, especially for perishables. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) aims to modernise food processing and storage infrastructure. Affordable technologies such as solar cold storage, moisture-proof silos and AI-driven forecasting can reduce spoilage. Digital tools like the FAO Food Loss App (FLAPP) help track losses and improve supply chain efficiency.
Role of Circular Economy and Shared Responsibility
Reducing food loss requires a shift to circular economy models. Surplus food can be redirected to food banks or converted into compost and bioenergy. Policy support through subsidies and loans is vital for scaling solutions. Governments, businesses, civil society and consumers all share responsibility. Integrating food loss reduction into climate strategies is critical to protect resources and livelihoods.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of post-harvest food loss on India’s agricultural economy and climate change mitigation efforts.
- Explain the role of technology and infrastructure in reducing food loss in India with suitable examples.
- What are the challenges and opportunities in implementing circular economy models in India’s food supply chain? How can policy measures support this transition?
- Underline the significance of Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.1 in global food loss monitoring and its implications for national food security strategies.
