Why is it in the news?

• October 16, 2024, marks World Food Day, with the theme emphasizing the “right to foods for a better life and a better future.” This theme highlights the importance of access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all.
• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and World Food Programme (WFP) are working with the Government of India to ensure that this fundamental human right is upheld.
• Food security is essential for individual well-being, social stability, and prosperous communities. The FAO’s 2024 report estimates that 733 million people face hunger, underscoring the need for urgent solutions to food insecurity.

India’s Agricultural Progress and Food Security

• India’s Green Revolution played a crucial role in improving food availability, and today, the focus is on nutrition. Initiatives like the White Revolution in milk and the Blue Transformation in fisheries have further developed India’s agrifood system. These efforts highlight the need for diverse food sources to ensure access to safe, nutritious food for everyone.
• India has made remarkable progress in food security over the past 60 years, transforming from a food-deficient nation to a food-surplus one. Key initiatives like the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013, which provides food entitlements to over 800 million citizens, reflect India’s commitment to ensuring access to food.
• The recent approval of fortified rice distribution from 2024 to 2028 emphasizes the country’s focus on improving nutrition.

Challenges Facing India’s Agriculture Sector

• Around 82% of India’s 93.09 million agrarian households are small and marginal farmers with less than two hectares of land. These farmers face productivity constraints, and challenges such as natural resource degradation, overuse of groundwater, and the impact of chemical fertilizers on soil health.
• Fragmented landholdings further limit smallholder farmers’ ability to adopt modern techniques, which affects productivity and income. Enhancing market access and infrastructure is vital for helping these farmers increase their incomes and reduce food waste.
• Rural poverty and inequality also present significant hurdles. Improving small farmers’ access to financial services, technology, and modern irrigation systems will be crucial for enhancing their productivity.
• Climate change poses additional risks, such as erratic weather patterns. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, including water conservation and soil restoration, can help build resilience in farming communities.

Ensuring Food Access for Non-Agricultural Households

• The right to food extends beyond agriculture and impacts non-agricultural households as well. Ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for everyone, including those living in urban areas, is crucial.
• With increasing urbanization, food security for non-farming families becomes just as important as supporting rural farmers. A resilient food system is essential for addressing food inequality and providing access to nutritious food for all.
• Strong social safety nets and market interventions are key to stabilizing prices and supporting vulnerable populations.
• Through the Public Distribution System, India has made significant progress in providing food access to both agricultural and non-agricultural households. However, continued efforts are needed to address inequalities and ensure that everyone benefits from India’s agricultural advancements.

Conclusion

• Hence, achieving food security is about more than increasing production. It requires building equitable, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that serve all people.
• By supporting both farmers and non-agricultural families, strengthening livelihoods, and reducing food inequalities, we can work towards a healthier, more prosperous, and peaceful society where everyone can enjoy a better life and a brighter future.