• Theme for World Food Day 2024 : Right to Foods for a better life and a better future - Leave No One Behind
  • World Food Day is celebrated annually on October 16 across the globe to honour the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
  • The day is dedicated to advancing global food security, promoting awareness of hunger, and taking action for the future of food.

HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE

  • The member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organisation established World Food Day in November 1979 at the organisation's 20th General Conference and called for the observance of World Food Day on October 16, 1981.
  • World Food Day is an opportunity to put the spotlight on the global challenge of hunger and malnutrition.
  • It is a day to raise awareness about food-related issues and to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

WHAT IS MEANT BY FOOD SECURITY?

  • Food security means that all individuals have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
  • Global Context: Approximately 733 million people globally face hunger, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
India's Journey to Food Security: India has transitioned from a

food-deficient to a food-surplus nation in the past 60 years due to:

  • Green Revolution: Introduction of high-yielding varieties and modern agricultural practices.
  • Institutional Support: Organizations like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have improved agricultural productivity.
  • National Food Security Act (NFSA): Enacted in 2013, it guarantees food entitlements for over 800 million
CHALLENGES IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR Despite progress, several challenges persist in India's agricultural sector:
  • Smallholder Farmers: Approximately 82% of agrarian households are small and marginal farmers, which limits productivity.
  • Natural Resource Degradation: Overuse of groundwater and chemical fertilizers threatens soil health.
  • Fragmented Landholdings: Small and scattered plots restrict the adoption of modern techniques.
  • Market Access Issues: Inadequate infrastructure and supply chain inefficiencies hinder smallholder farmers’ market access.
  • Rural Poverty and Inequality: Access to financial services and technology is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity.
  • Climate Change Risks: Unpredictable weather patterns pose significant risks to agricultural stability.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

  • Mid Day Meal Programme (PM POSHAN):
    • Objective: Enhance school enrollment, retention, and attendance while improving nutrition.
    • Target Group: Children in government and aided primary and upper primary schools.
  • National Food Security Act, 2013:
    • Coverage: 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, with about two-thirds of the total population receiving subsidized food grains.
  • Poshan Tracker:
    • Developed By: Ministry of Women and Child Development.
    • Purpose: Governance tool for monitoring child nutrition, assessing stunting, wasting, and obesity.
  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):
    • Launch Purpose: Provide additional food grains to mitigate hardships faced by the poor during economic disruptions from COVID-19.
  • Saksham Anganwadi and Mission Poshan 2.0:
    • Key Schemes: POSHAN Abhiyaan and Anganwadi Services, targeting children (0-6 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
    • Nutrition Provision: Includes hot cooked meals and take-home rations at Anganwadi centers.