Current affairs17 Oct. 2022
Food Day
Current affairs17 Oct. 2022
Globally, food and nutrition security continue to be undermined by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, spiralling food inflation, conflict, and inequality. Today, around 828 million people worldwide do not have enought to eat, and over 50 million people are facing severe hunger.
The Hunger Hotspots outlook(2022-23) - a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP)- Forebodes escalating hunger, as over 205 million people across 45 countries will need emergency food assistance to survive.
This year World Food Day (October 16) has been a reminder to ensure that the most vulnerable people within our communities have easy access to safe and a nutritious food. The promise to end hunger by 2030 is possible only through collective and transformational action to strengthen agri-food systems; better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
Better Production and better nutrition:
India has had an inspiring journey towards better production and achieving self sufficiency and is now one of the largest agricultural product exporters. During 2021-22, it recorded $49.6 billion in total agriculture exports - a 20% increase from 2020-21. However, recent climate shocks have raised concerns about India’s wheat and rice production over the next year.
Therefore, it is important to place a greater focus on climate adaptation and resilience building.