World Food Day, celebrated every year on October 16th, is a global recognition of the founding date of the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Established in 1945, the FAO is a specialised agency of the UN that spearheads international efforts towards defeating hunger. In 2021, the UN Secretary-General took the initiative a step further by convening the inaugural Food Systems Summit to explore strategies for the transformation of food production and consumption.
Objective of World Food Day
World Food Day is observed annually with the objective of addressing the problem of global hunger. It garners support from organisations like the World Food Programme (2020 Nobel Peace Prize laureate) and International Fund for Agricultural Development. The day emphasizes the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which is Zero Hunger.
Implications of COVID-19 on Global Hunger
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the urgency for a change of approach in dealing with food security. Farmers, who were already struggling with variables like climate change, are finding it even harder to sell their harvests. Consequentially, poverty levels have risen, forcing city residents to rely on food banks, and millions of people around the globe to require emergency food aid. Sustainable agri-food systems are needed that can feed an estimated 10 billion people by 2050.
FAO’s Role in India
FAO has closely monitored India’s battle against malnutrition over the past decades, despite numerous constraints. Factors such as teen pregnancy, lack of education and information, inadequate access to drinking water, and cleanliness have hindered India’s progress towards achieving its goal of a “malnutrition-free India” by 2022, as outlined in the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan).
FAO’s Recognition of Millets
Endorsing India’s proposal, FAO declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. This move is expected to promote the consumption and availability of nutritious food and provide support for small and medium farmers who cultivate coarse grains on less fertile land with water scarcity.
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) Controversy
India ranked at an alarming 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021. The Indian government, however, has expressed objections over the survey-based assessment and methodology adopted by the FAO, labeling it as unscientific.
Farmer Protests
India’s food producers or farmers have been protesting against the central government for nearly a year, opposing the new farm laws which they believe could cause significant loss to them and could further deteriorate India’s rank in combating hunger and malnutrition.
Indian Initiatives to Combat Hunger and Malnutrition
In an attempt to improve the health and environment, India has launched initiatives like the Eat Right India and Fit India Movement along with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission and others. The country has also introduced 17 biofortified varieties of crops to overcome the lack of important micronutrients in regular crop varieties. For instance, MACS 4028 Wheat, Madhuban Gajar, etc.
Amendments and Development in the Indian Agricultural Sector
The Food Security Act, 2013, has seen an increased ambit and effective implementation. Amendments to the APMC acts have been added to increase competitiveness. Measures have been implemented to ensure that farmers receive one and a half times the cost as Minimum Support Price (MSP), an integral part of securing the nation’s food stock.
Transition towards a Trans Fat Free India
As per the vision of New India @75, the government is making efforts to make India Trans Fat free by 2022, a year ahead of the World Health Organisation’s target. Trans Fat is a food toxin present in Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (PHVOs) such as vanaspati, shortening, margarine, along with baked and fried foods. It poses a serious threat as it is a major contributor to non-communicable diseases in India and a modifiable risk factor for Cardio-Vascular Diseases (CVD). Eliminating Trans Fat is especially significant during Covid-19 as people with CVD are more susceptible to severe health conditions.
