As India joins the world in observing World Food Day, the focus on ensuring food security has never been more critical. This year's theme, "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future," calls for actionable steps to address the inefficiencies in food distribution, the need for innovation in agriculture, and the significance of sustainable practices in combating hunger and malnutrition.
India, a country known for its agricultural prowess, still faces significant challenges when it comes to ensuring that its population, especially vulnerable sections, have access to nutritious and affordable food. With nearly 2.8 billion people globally unable to afford a healthy diet, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2023, the discourse in India reflects the urgency for better systems and solutions.
Tackling Distribution Inefficiencies
Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director of McDonald’s India - North & East, points out that the issue India faces is not food scarcity but inefficiencies in distribution. "By empowering farmers with technology-driven insights, optimising logistics, and reducing wastage across the value chain—from harvesting to consumption—we can make significant strides toward addressing hunger and securing a sustainable future," said Ranjan. He emphasises the importance of building a resilient food supply chain, which includes regenerative agricultural practices, temperature-controlled infrastructure, and advanced farm-to-fork traceability systems.
Such systems, according to Ranjan, have been key to McDonald’s approach, ensuring that the food reaches consumers in a safe and sustainable manner. This approach reflects the larger need for creating robust agricultural and distribution networks that minimise food waste, one of the major causes of hunger in India.
Innovation in Agriculture with a Focus on Sustainability
Debaditya Chaudhury, Managing Director of Chowman, underscores the need for innovation in farming practices while keeping sustainability at the core. "We must harmonise innovations like AI-driven precision farming, robotic agriculture, and modern irrigation systems with eco-friendly practices. Without sustainability, these technological advances will suffocate future generations," said Chaudhury.
In a rapidly growing nation like India, balancing the need to feed an ever-increasing population with sustainable practices is essential. Chaudhury highlights that uplifting farmers by providing access to technology, capital, and education will create a foundation for food security in India. "Farmers are the backbone of the food system," he adds, emphasising that long-term solutions to hunger lie in their prosperity.
Promoting Dietary Diversity and Sustainable Agriculture
Janardhan Swahar, CEO of Y-Cook India, brought attention to the importance of dietary diversity in combating malnutrition. "Though the world produces enough food, unhealthy eating patterns and limited access to diverse crops contribute to hunger and malnutrition," said Swahar. He notes that nearly 17% of children in India under the age of five are underweight, with a significant portion of the population suffering from micronutrient deficiencies.
Swahar’s company collaborates with farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and intercropping. These practices not only improve soil health but also enhance crop yields and provide a wider diversity of nutritious food. By encouraging the use of climate-resilient crops and improving irrigation systems, Swahar believes that India can build a more sustainable and secure food ecosystem.
Y-Cook’s use of retort processing—a method that preserves the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of food for up to 12 months without refrigeration—sets an example for how innovative food preservation techniques can reduce waste and ensure that more people have access to nutritious meals.
Nutrition for India’s Children
Nutrition, particularly for young children, remains a significant challenge in India. Pankaj Prakash Sharma, Founder and CEO of Happa Foods, highlighted the importance of early childhood nutrition in preventing malnutrition. "The period from six months to five years is crucial for brain development, immune function, and overall growth," Sharma said, pointing out that malnutrition affects not only physical development but also cognitive outcomes.
Sharma urged parents and caregivers to make more mindful nutritional choices for their children, such as opting for organic foods and avoiding processed snacks. He emphasised that improving childhood nutrition can have long-term benefits, not just for individual health but for the country’s future as a whole.
Empowering Future Generations
The challenges of hunger and malnutrition are complex and multi-faceted, but as Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, noted, addressing hunger is key to unlocking the potential of future generations. "Access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right and a key driver for sustainable development," said Venkat. The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which provides meals to school children across India, aims to not only tackle hunger but also empower children to rise above challenges and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Commitment to Reducing Food Waste
As India’s largest contract food service company, Rassense Private Limited produces over 300,000 meals daily and prioritises reducing food waste. Sanjay Kumar, Promoter CEO, highlights the company’s collaboration with clients to promote mindful consumption and lessen environmental impact. With the rise of eateries, Rassense focuses on minimising waste during production and consumption, digitally tracking waste and raising awareness. This responsibility extends to employees and offices, embedding waste reduction as a core organisational value. Every action counts in creating a more sustainable future.
