The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2023 report revealed a significant issue in India-sponsored by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Evidence of a growing disparity between the cost of nutritious food and the financial reality of a significant portion of the Indian population has been highlighted in the report.
The Broad Picture: Global Hunger and Malnutrition
Stagnation in worldwide hunger figures has been observed between 2021 and 2022. However, the number of people facing hunger worldwide has increased by over 122 million since 2019, due to pandemic effects, repeated weather shocks, and conflicts, including Ukraine’s war.
Approximately 2.4 billion individuals, primarily women and rural residents, lacked regular access to nutritious, safe, and ample food in 2022. The problem of child malnutrition remains alarmingly high, with stunted growth observed in 22.3% (148.1 million) children, wasting in 6.8% (45 million), and overweight issues in 5.6% (37 million) in 2021.
Impact of Urbanization and Regional Trends on Diet
As urbanization intensifies, processed and convenience foods become more prevalent, leading to increased rates of obesity and overweight issues across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. On the regional front, Asia has seen the most significant increase (around 9%) in the cost of maintaining a healthy diet from 2019 to 2021. South Asia and Eastern and Western Africa have faced the highest growth in the number of people unable to afford a nutritious diet.
Food Security in India: Key Highlights
According to SOFI, India’s healthy diet costs are among the lowest when compared to BRICS nations and its neighboring countries. However, with a low average income compared to other countries, a significant proportion of the population finds it challenging to afford the recommended diet. The report takes a case study in Mumbai demonstrating how meal costs have surged by 65% in five years while salaries and wages have risen by only between 28%-37%.
Importance of Food Security for India
Fulfilling the nutritional needs of the population is crucial as India has a significant number of malnourished or undernourished individuals impacting their physical and mental growth. Additionally, food security can significantly contribute to reducing poverty levels.
Moreover, food security is vital for national security as a stable food supply can prevent social unrest and political instability. Adopting sustainable farming practices and investing in climate-resilient crops in the face of climate change can ensure food security for the population.
Government Initiatives for Food Security
Several initiatives, such as the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, National Food Security Mission, National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Platform, National Food Processing Mission, and policies like Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Agricultural products, have been implemented by the government.
Challenges to India’s Food Security
Inadequate infrastructure and inefficient supply chain networks remain key challenges to India’s food security. Poor agricultural practices, extreme weather conditions brought on by climate change, and fragmented landholdings also add to the woes.
Path Forward
The government must invest in agricultural production systems and research and improve storage and transportation facilities. Encouraging sustainable agriculture practices, promoting public-private partnerships to boost agricultural productivity, and ensuring proper supply-demand balance are necessary steps for the future.