Syllabus
GS Paper III – Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Context
The theme of World Food Day 2024, ‘Right to foods for a better life and a better future,’ emphasized the need for everyone to have access to nutritious food.
Equitable Agrifood Systems
Introduction
World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, 2024, underscored the critical importance of equitable agrifood systems to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. This year’s theme, ‘Right to foods for a better life and a better future,’ highlighted the need to address food inequality and ensure that all individuals have access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. The Rome-based agencies, FAO, IFAD, and WFP, in collaboration with the Government of India, are working towards this goal, recognizing that food security is essential for individual well-being, social stability, and peaceful, prosperous communities. The FAO’s 2024 report, which estimated that 733 million people face hunger, further emphasizes the urgency of addressing food insecurity and promoting equitable food access.
A Food System for All: Ensuring Equitable Access
- A food system is a complex network encompassing all stages of food production, distribution, and consumption. It involves farmers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers, each playing a vital role in influencing the flow and quality of food.
- An equitable food system is one that ensures access to safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for all individuals while promoting fairness and justice throughout the supply chain.
- Significance of an Equitable Food System: Addressing inequalities and empowering marginalized communities by prioritizing the right to food and nutrition security is crucial for building peaceful and prosperous societies.
Key Sectors of an Equitable Food System
- Production: Farms, ranches, and fisheries utilize natural resources, labor, and capital to cultivate a diverse range of food products.
- Processing: Factories and facilities transform raw agricultural goods into a variety of processed food products suitable for consumption.
- Distribution: Aggregators and shippers transport food products across the supply chain using various modes of transportation, including land, air, and sea.
- Retail: Stores of all kinds, as well as direct-to-consumer models, sell food products to customers and consumers.
- Recovery, Recycling, and Waste: Municipalities, companies, and nonprofits manage leftover, discarded, and expired food products from various points along the supply chain.
India’s Food Security Journey: A Transformation
- Enhanced Food Availability:
- Green Revolution: Increased cereal production through advancements in agricultural practices and technology.
- White Revolution: Boosted milk production through dairy farming initiatives.
- Yellow Revolution: Enhanced oilseed production to meet domestic demand.
- Gold Revolution: Increased horticulture production, including fruits and vegetables.
- Blue Revolution: Expanded fish production through aquaculture and marine fisheries.
- Agricultural Research and Development:
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI): A pioneer in agricultural research, contributing to improved crop varieties and farming practices.
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): A network of research institutes focused on addressing agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable agriculture.
- National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI): A leading institution in dairy research, developing improved dairy breeds and technologies.
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI): A key player in animal health research, combating diseases and promoting animal welfare.
- National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP): An institute that analyzes agricultural economics and policies to inform decision-making.
- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR): A center for horticultural research, developing new varieties and improving cultivation techniques.
- Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI): An institute focused on addressing agricultural challenges in arid regions.
- Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR): A research institute dedicated to improving pulse production and quality.
- Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR): A leading institution in rice research, developing high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR): A repository of plant genetic resources, preserving biodiversity and supporting breeding programs.
- Efficient Food Distribution:
- Food Corporation of India (FCI): A government agency responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing food grains.
- Public Distribution System (PDS): A network of outlets that provide subsidized food grains to eligible beneficiaries.
- Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs): Regulated markets for agricultural commodities, facilitating trade and price discovery.
- Ensuring Food Affordability:
- Minimum Support Price (MSP): A government-guaranteed price for certain crops, ensuring farmers a profitable income.
- Prioritizing Food Safety:
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): A regulatory body that ensures food safety and quality through standards and inspections.
- Right to Food and Nutritional Security:
- National Food Security Act (NFSA): A landmark legislation that provides food entitlements to a significant portion of the population.
- Fortified Rice Distribution: A program to address nutritional deficiencies, particularly anemia, by distributing rice fortified with essential micronutrients.
- PM POSHAN Scheme: A scheme to improve the nutritional status of children in government schools through mid-day meals.
Challenges to Equitable Food Systems in India
- Population Growth: Meeting the nutritional needs of a rapidly growing population, currently around 1.4 billion with an annual increase of 0.9%, poses a significant challenge.
- Fragmented Land Holdings: The majority of Indian farmers (approximately 82%) own small and marginal landholdings of less than two hectares, limiting their ability to adopt modern agricultural practices and increase productivity.
- Natural Resource Degradation: Overexploitation of groundwater resources and the overuse of chemical fertilizers and monocropping practices are harming soil health and agricultural productivity.
- Market Access Constraints: Many smallholder farmers face difficulties in accessing markets due to infrastructure limitations and inefficient supply chains.
- Poverty and Inequality: Rural poverty and inequality can hinder the participation of farmers in agricultural systems and create disparities in the distribution of food.
- Climate Change: Erratic weather patterns, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, pose significant risks to agricultural productivity.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Inadequate infrastructure for food storage, processing, and transportation can disrupt the food supply chain and lead to losses.
Promoting Equitable Food Systems and Addressing Food Inequality
- Strengthening Market Connections: By facilitating improved linkages between producers and markets, farmers can increase their incomes and reduce food waste.
- Investing in Appropriate Technologies: Enhancing access to suitable technologies can enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency.
- Building Resilient Farming Systems: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as water conservation and soil health restoration, can help build resilience in farming systems and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion
As we conclude this exploration of equitable agrifood systems, it is imperative to reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure that food access is a fundamental right for all. Beyond increasing production, we must strive to build systems that are just, resilient, and sustainable. The partnership between the FAO, IFAD, WFP, and the Government of India serves as a testament to our shared commitment to achieving food security. By supporting farmers, strengthening livelihoods, and reducing food inequalities, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit from a better future. Let us embrace this collective responsibility and work tirelessly to build a world where food security is a reality for all.
Reference: TH
Related PYQ
Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. [UPSC CSE – 2022 Mains]
Read more PYQs here
Practice Question
Critically analyze the statement, “Food access is about equitable agrifood systems.” In the context of the theme of World Food Day 2024, “Right to foods for a better life and a better future,” discuss the challenges and opportunities in ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food in India. What measures can be taken to build equitable, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems? [250 words]
Guidelines for Answering the Question
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of food access and its importance.
- Body:
- Define equitable agrifood systems and explain how they contribute to food access.
- Discuss the challenges faced by India in ensuring food access, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and infrastructure limitations.
- Analyze the opportunities available for building equitable agrifood systems, including technological advancements, sustainable agricultural practices, and policy reforms.
- Examine the role of the government, private sector, and civil society in promoting food access and building equitable agrifood systems.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and emphasize the importance of collective action to achieve food security for all.