Introduction

At the recent triennial International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE-2024), world leaders and experts underscored the worsening challenges of malnutrition and hunger due to geopolitical unrest and climate change. The conference focused on the theme: Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—an urgent call to action towards a more sustainable and hunger-free world.

Goal 2 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims for a world free of hunger by 2030. This mission is fundamental to achieving a more equitable and compassionate planet. However, despite progress in agricultural productivity, the path toward achieving zero hunger remains daunting.

The Growing Hunger Crisis 

• According to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2022 report, global hunger is expected to affect 670 million people—about 8% of the world’s population—by 2030.
• In 2022 alone, 735 million people faced chronic hunger, marking a significant increase compared to 2019. This rise has been driven by geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and economic inequalities.
• Food insecurity continues to be a significant issue, with 2.4 billion people suffering from moderate to severe food insecurity.
• This means they struggle to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet due to income or resource constraints. Particularly concerning is the stunted growth of 148 million children and the wasting of 45 million children under the age of five, indicating severe malnutrition.

Why Zero Hunger Matters

Achieving zero hunger would have a profound positive impact on global health, economic growth, education, and equality. It would:

• Economies: Well-nourished individuals contribute to economic development by enhancing productivity.
• Health: Proper nutrition is crucial for preventing diseases and improving overall well-being.
• Education: Children free from hunger perform better academically, building a more educated generation.
• Gender Equality: Empowering women through improved access to nutrition enables them to play a vital role in eradicating hunger.
• Hunger limits human potential, making it more difficult to achieve other sustainable development goals, such as education, health, and gender equality.

Challenges and Obstacles

Despite the urgency, the world is not on track to achieve zero hunger by 2030. A combination of factors continues to exacerbate the situation:

• Geopolitical Unrest: Conflicts disrupt food production and distribution, causing food insecurity.
• Climate Change: Extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns impact agricultural productivity.
• Economic Inequalities: Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, leading to higher rates of malnutrition and food scarcity.
• Addressing malnutrition is another major challenge. More than 40 million children in India alone suffer from chronic malnutrition, and over half of women aged 15–49 are anaemic.
• While India has made strides, such as transforming from a net importer to a net exporter of food grains, these issues remain significant.

Achieving Zero Hunger: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

Achieving zero hunger by 2030 requires a multi-faceted strategy that includes:

1. Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting practices that enhance food security while protecting the environment.
2. Social Protection: Establishing safety nets for vulnerable populations, especially children, to ensure access to nutritious food.
3. Investment in Agriculture: Increasing investment is crucial for reducing hunger, poverty, and building resilience against disasters.
4. Transforming Food Systems: There’s an urgent need to build inclusive and sustainable food systems that reduce waste, improve nutrition, and promote resilience to crises.

India’s Efforts on the Road to Zero Hunger

India has made notable progress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Public Distribution System provided critical food assistance to millions of families. Additionally, initiatives like the Integrated Child Development Services and the mid-day meal scheme showcase India’s commitment to reducing malnutrition and improving food security.

However, malnutrition and anaemia continue to be pressing issues. The government’s challenge now lies in addressing these problems, while also combating climate change’s impact on agriculture.

Way Forward: A Global Commitment

Ending hunger by 2030 requires a global commitment. On World Food Day, UN food agencies reaffirmed their pledge to work collectively to achieve SDG 2. The 2023 SDG Summit in New York saw world leaders reconfirm their resolve to end hunger and poverty. However, bridging the gap between aspirations and reality requires concerted action from every nation.

Conclusion: Food as the Essence of Life

Food is more than just sustenance—it connects cultures, nourishes bodies, and sustains the planet. The journey toward zero hunger is not just a humanitarian mission but a critical step towards a more equitable and sustainable world.

As we approach 2030, the transformation of agri-food systems and increased international cooperation will be vital to achieving this essential goal.