India’s Transformative Role in the Global Fight Agains

As the world cautiously begins to turn a corner in its struggle against hunger, India has emerged as a pivotal force driving this progress. At a time when food insecurity continues to rise in several regions, India’s strategic policy reforms, digital innovations, and inclusive nutrition programs are demonstrating that transformational change is achievable. The UN’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report highlights India’s contributions as a rare bright spot amid worrying global trends.

Global Hunger Trends

Despite incremental improvements, hunger remains a persistent global challenge:

• In 2024, 673 million people were undernourished globally, only a modest decrease from 688 million in 2023.

• Africa and Western Asia continue to see worsening food security, with over 20% of Africa’s population affected.

• If current trends continue, 512 million people could still be facing hunger by 2030, with 60% residing in Africa.

Food Insecurity and Diet Affordability

• In 2024, 2.3 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity — 336 million more than in 2019.

• 2.6 billion people were unable to afford a healthy diet, with affordability deteriorating in low-income countries (excluding India).

• Food price inflation has been a major barrier, peaking at 13.6% globally in January 2023 and reaching 30% in low-income regions.

Child and Maternal Nutrition

• Stunting declined globally to 23.2% in 2024, down from 180 million children (2012) to 150.2 million.

• However, wasting (6.6%) and overweight (5.5%) rates among children have seen little improvement.

• Exclusive breastfeeding increased from 37% (2012) to 47.8% (2023)—a major milestone.

• Only 34% of children (6–23 months) receive minimum dietary diversity, and 65% of women (15–49 years) meet basic dietary standards.

• Alarmingly, anaemia among women has risen from 27.6% to 30.7% between 2012 and 2023.

India’s Standout Performance in the Global Context

According to the Global Food Security Report 2025, India has made significant strides:

• Undernourishment in India dropped from 14.3% (2020–22) to 12% (2022–24)—a reduction of nearly 30 million people.

• While global hunger remains stagnant or worsens in many regions, India’s gains have helped offset regressions, particularly in Africa and Western Asia.

Persistent Domestic Challenges

Despite the progress, India faces critical challenges that threaten long-term food and nutrition security:

1. Rising Nutrition Challenges

• Over 60% of Indians still cannot afford a healthy diet.

• Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, pulses, and animal products remain unaffordable for many.

• Cold-chain infrastructure is inadequate, affecting access to perishable nutritious foods.

2. Child and Maternal Nutrition

• India has contributed significantly to increased breastfeeding rates, yet:

  • Anaemia among women continues to rise.

  • Children’s dietary diversity remains low, increasing the risk of hidden hunger.

3. Post-Harvest Loss and Supply Chain Inefficiency

• India loses up to 13% of its food between farm and market.

• Inadequate cold storage, inefficient logistics, and outdated transportation systems lead to spoilage and wastage.

4. Malnutrition and Micronutrient Deficiencies

• Even as hunger declines, malnutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies are growing.

• These issues are pronounced among the urban poor and rural populations.

5. Low Agricultural Productivity

• Despite being a top food producer, India suffers from:

  • Fragmented land holdings

  • Limited access to modern technology

  • Climate-induced variability and water stress

6. Gaps in Nutrition Awareness

• Many households lack basic knowledge about balanced diets, especially for children and pregnant women.

7. Policy and Delivery Gaps

• While digital reforms have improved distribution, data inaccuracies, inconsistent implementation, and last-mile delivery failures persist.

• Migrant and informal sector populations often remain excluded from entitlement systems.

India’s Transformative Approach

India’s success lies in its multi-pronged strategy—combining technology, nutrition, agriculture, and community engagement.

1. Revamping the Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Aadhaar-enabled digitization ensures leakage reduction and targeted delivery.

• One Nation, One Ration Card makes entitlements portable, ensuring food access for migrant workers across states.

2. Nutrition-Focused Social Programs

• PM POSHAN (Midday Meal Scheme) now emphasizes dietary diversity and child development.

• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supports early childhood nutrition and health monitoring.

• POSHAN Abhiyaan tackles stunting, anaemia, and low birth weight through data-driven monitoring and community outreach.

3. Boosting Agricultural Productivity

• National Food Security Mission encourages:

  • Crop diversification

  • Improved seed use

  • Sustainable, climate-resilient practices

• Agro-climatic planning tailors interventions to local ecological needs.

4. Food Fortification and Biofortification

• The Zero Hunger Programme promotes biofortified crops and nutrient-rich genetic gardens.

• Staples like rice and wheat are fortified with iron, folic acid, and vitamin A.

5. Nutrition Education and Behavior Change

• Campaigns like Eat Right India raise awareness on balanced diets, hygiene, and safe food choices.

• School programs and community health workers help spread nutrition literacy.

6. Strengthening Post-Harvest Infrastructure

• Investments in cold chains, logistics, and storage infrastructure aim to:

  • Reduce food loss

  • Improve access to perishables

  • Support higher income for farmers

7. Transforming the Agrifood System

• Focus on nutrient-rich food production including:

  • Pulses, vegetables, fruits, and animal products

• Support for women-led FPOs cultivating climate-resilient crops

• Use of digital tools like:

  • AgriStack

  • e-NAM (National Agricultural Market)

  • Geospatial planning platforms

Conclusion

With just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially SDG 2: Zero Hunger—India’s achievements offer hope and direction. The country has proven that hunger can be reduced despite economic and climate headwinds, provided there is:

• Strong political will

• Smart public investment

• Community-driven and inclusive policies

As the world confronts worsening inequality and food insecurity, India’s model—though still evolving—demonstrates that it is possible to feed people with dignity, ensure nutritional security, and transform food systems sustainably.