India’s Food Security Gains

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Context:

The UN State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 Report highlights India’s decisive role in reducing global undernourishment, with national hunger prevalence declining to 12% in 2022–24.

Decline in Undernourishment

Global Progress: Undernourishment fell globally to 673 million people (8.2%) in 2024, marking a reversal of the pandemic-induced spike.
India’s Contribution: India reduced undernourishment from 3% (2020–22) to 12% (2022–24), translating into 30 million fewer people facing hunger.
Role of Food Security Policies: Policy investments in digital governance, targeted delivery, and nutrition-sensitive programs underpinned these improvements.

Transformation of India’s Food Systems

Public Distribution System (PDS) Modernisation: Digitisation, Aadhaar-enabled authentication, real-time tracking, and One Nation One Ration Card enabled food portability for 800 million people.
Nutrition-Focused Schemes: Schemes such as PM POSHAN and ICDS have shifted focus from calorie sufficiency to dietary diversity and child nutrition.
Persistent Challenges; Despite progress, over 60% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet due to high prices of nutrient-dense foods and inadequate cold chains.

The Road Ahead for Agrifood Transformation

Boosting Nutritious Food Supply: Expanding production and affordability of pulses, fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods is essential for balanced nutrition.
Infrastructure and Women’s Role: Investments in cold chains, digital logistics, and support for FPOs and women-led enterprises can reduce food loss and enhance livelihoods.
Global Leadership: Through innovations like AgriStack, e-NAM, and data-driven agriculture, India can guide other developing nations in meeting SDG-2: Zero Hunger.

Practice Question

“India’s recent achievements in reducing hunger reflect a major transformation in food governance. Critically examine how India can shift from ensuring food security to achieving nutrition security, while also contributing to global agrifood system transformation.”

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