The article highlights World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, 2024, with this year’s theme being “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” The theme focuses on the importance of making sure everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. Global organizations like the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), and WFP (World Food Programme) are working together with the Indian government to address this issue. The goal is to ensure that all people, especially the vulnerable, are free from hunger and malnutrition.
Food security is crucial for individual well-being and social peace. Without access to food, entire communities can suffer. The FAO’s report for 2024 estimates that 733 million people around the world still face hunger, making it clear that food insecurity needs urgent attention.
India has made significant progress in ensuring food security over the past 60 years. Once facing food shortages, India has now become a country with a surplus in food, largely thanks to the Green Revolution, which increased agricultural output. Initiatives like the White Revolution (boosting milk production) and the Blue Transformation (improving fisheries) have further strengthened the country’s agrifood system, ensuring a more diverse and nutritious food supply. However, today’s focus goes beyond just food availability—nutrition is key, especially for children’s development and the country’s economic future.
A big part of India’s food security efforts is the National Food Security Act (NFSA), which was passed in 2013. It guarantees food for over 800 million people. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also introduced a plan to distribute fortified rice from July 2024 to December 2028 to enhance the nutrition levels of the population.
Despite these efforts, India’s agricultural sector faces many challenges. Around 82% of India’s farmers are small-scale, owning less than two hectares of land. They often struggle with low productivity due to issues like poor soil health, overuse of groundwater, and outdated farming techniques. Helping these small farmers adopt modern technology, improve water usage, and manage soil better are key steps to improving their livelihoods and increasing food production. Connecting farmers to better markets can also help them earn more and reduce food waste.
Climate change is another major threat to agriculture. It brings unpredictable weather patterns that can harm crops, so there’s a need for sustainable farming practices like water conservation and soil restoration. India is also working on better natural resource management and helping farmers with education, technology, and financial support.
Food security extends beyond farmers to all citizens, including those in urban areas. As more people move to cities, ensuring that non-farming households have access to affordable, nutritious food is also critical. Strong social safety nets, such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), and market policies that stabilize prices are crucial to protect the most vulnerable people.
On World Food Day 2024, the message is clear: food security isn’t just about producing more food. It’s about creating food systems that are fair, resilient, and sustainable for everyone. The partnership between global organizations and India underscores the shared responsibility of ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. By supporting both farmers and non-farmers, and by addressing inequalities, we can build a healthier, more peaceful, and prosperous society where everyone has the opportunity for a better life and future.
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