Current Food System Challenges in India
India produces plenty of milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock, but still faces serious nutrition problems.
Malnutrition includes both undernutrition (like stunting and underweight) and overnutrition (like obesity).
Micronutrient deficiencies (like anaemia) are widespread, especially among women and children.
India ranked 105 out of 127 in the Global Hunger Index 2024.
Nearly 194 million Indians are undernourished (NFHS-5 data).
Nutrition Crisis: A Double Burden
35.5% of children under five are stunted, 32.1% underweight, and 19.3% suffer from wasting.
At the same time, obesity is growing: 24% of women and 22.9% of men are overweight.
57% of women of reproductive age are anaemic.
The poor can’t afford healthy diets — over half the population can't afford nutritious food.
Causes and Risks
Structural problems in food systems and rising food prices worsen nutrition issues.
Climate change reduces crop yields and affects small farmers.
Malnutrition harms health, productivity, and economic growth.
Solutions for a Nutrition-Sensitive Food System
Promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture with climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crops.
Encourage crop diversity, better storage systems, and local food production.
Use community-based models like Nutrition-Sensitive Community Planning (NSCP) for bottom-up planning on nutrition, health, and sanitation.
Nutri-Pathshala and school meal programmes with biofortified foods can tackle child malnutrition.
Improve schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and mid-day meals with healthier foods.
Run public campaigns promoting balanced diets and healthier food habits.
Involve communities through tools like games, local radio, and nutrition education.
Private Sector and Innovation
Encourage clear food labels, digital tools, and nutrient-rich products.
Promote innovation in plant-based foods and food fortification.
Ensure regulation supports healthy food production.
Building Resilient, Local Food Systems
Use place-based innovations, like in the Himalayas, with local crops, processing, and distribution.
Empower local producers and link them to markets.
Promote gender-sensitive, climate-smart agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Nutritionists and health workers must help shape food and agriculture policies.
Integration of health, education, and food systems is key to real change.
Way Forward
Incremental steps are not enough — bold transformation is needed.
Align government policies, business practices, and civil society action with nutrition goals.
A well-nourished population is essential for a strong, fair, and resilient India.
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