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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Despite the progress, India faces critical challenges that threaten long-term food and nutrition security:
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.
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.
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.
Even as hunger declines, malnutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies are growing.
These issues are pronounced among the urban poor and rural populations.
Despite being a top food producer, India suffers from:
Fragmented land holdings
Limited access to modern technology
Climate-induced variability and water stress
Many households lack basic knowledge about balanced diets, especially for children and pregnant women.
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 success lies in its multi-pronged strategy—combining technology, nutrition, agriculture, and community engagement.
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.
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.
National Food Security Mission encourages:
Crop diversification
Improved seed use
Sustainable, climate-resilient practices
Agro-climatic planning tailors interventions to local ecological needs.
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.
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.
Investments in cold chains, logistics, and storage infrastructure aim to:
Reduce food loss
Improve access to perishables
Support higher income for farmers
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
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.
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Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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