World food day is observed on 16th October 2024, it emphasizes the importance of food all around the globe. This day, celebrated annually, is organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to raise awareness about global hunger, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices. The theme for world food day 2024 is “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.” The World food day reminds us about the importance of food in the lives of not only human beings but also all the living creatures. Food is the basic necessity of human life, and no once can survive without it. The importance of food is being recognized from different idioms to the famous economist Abraham Maslow in his theory of Maslow’s need of hierarchy theory that clearly states the basic principles of needs in which food is being the primary source of energy. Various food programs and campaigns are also been run by the government targeting Zero hunger.
Government Schemes
Everything is incomplete without government support specially in India. So, the Indian government plays a crucial role in preventing the nationwide hunger. Proving some schemes and benefits to people below poverty line it helps them to give a stable living and makes sure that no one is left behind. Some of the well known schemes are given as follows:
National Food Security Act (NFSA):
- Launched in 2013, the NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to nearly two-thirds of India’s population. Under this program, eligible households receive rice, wheat, and coarse grains at highly subsidized rates.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM):
- Launched in 1995, this program provides free lunches to schoolchildren in primary and upper primary classes in government and government-aided schools. It aims to improve nutritional levels among children and boost school attendance.
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):
- Initiated in 1975, ICDS provides food, preschool education, and healthcare to children under six years of age and their mothers. It is one of the largest programs for early childhood development in the world.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):
- Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, PMGKAY provides free food grains to around 80 crore beneficiaries under the NFSA. It was extended to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on food security. The scheme was available both centrally and state-wise, it means was given by CM’s of particular state as well as PM too.
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Not only Food and agriculture organization but there are some other organizations too that plays a vital role in preventing the global hunger and ensuring food safety and security. Some of them are mentioned below:
1. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Established: 1945
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Mandate: The FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, working to eliminate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. It supports countries in developing policies and practices to ensure food security and rural development.
- Key Programs: FAO leads initiatives like the Global Soil Partnership and World Food Day, and provides technical assistance to countries on agricultural practices and natural resource management.
2. World Food Programme (WFP)
- Established: 1961
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Mandate: As the food assistance branch of the United Nations, WFP provides food aid in emergency situations and works to improve nutrition in impoverished regions. It focuses on saving lives during crises and promoting long-term food security.
- Key Programs: WFP runs initiatives like School Meals Programs and Food Assistance for Assets that aim to tackle hunger and improve livelihoods.
3. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- Established: 1977
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Mandate: IFAD is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to reduce rural poverty, improve food security, and empower rural populations through financial investments in agriculture.
- Key Programs: IFAD provides loans and grants to rural development projects, focusing on smallholder farmers and improving market access for rural populations.
4. World Bank Group (Agriculture and Food Global Practice)
- Established: 1944
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Mandate: The World Bank supports agricultural development, climate-smart agriculture, and food security through financial aid and technical assistance to developing countries.
- Key Programs: Programs like Agricultural Productivity and Climate Change help countries enhance their agricultural resilience and productivity.
5. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
- Established: 1975
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Mandate: IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to improve food security and reduce poverty in developing countries. It focuses on the impact of climate change, poverty, and agriculture on food systems.
- Key Programs: IFPRI runs the Compact2025 initiative, which aims to end hunger and undernutrition by 2025.
6. Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
- Established: 1971
- Headquarters: Montpellier, France
- Mandate: CGIAR is a global partnership of agricultural research centers working to advance food security, alleviate poverty, and enhance nutrition through sustainable agricultural practices.
- Key Programs: CGIAR focuses on innovations in crop breeding, water management, and agricultural sustainability through its various research centers.
Global Food Security Index
This is the index that gives the rankings to the countries, considering the factors and parameters they set. And on that basis they decide the ranking of the country. India ranks 68th out of 113 in global food security index. India being a diversified country is being left behind in the ranking as there are many people who are left under nourished and suffer malnutrition due to unavailability of necessary nutrients and balanced diet. Many campaigns and steps are taken for that also but it would take time to come up with the effective results.
