Causes of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India

Source: The post causes of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India has been created, based on the article “What India can do to reduce food wastage” published in “Indian Express” on 30th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- issues of buffer stocks and food security

Context: The article highlights the issue of food loss and waste (FLW) and its global impact. It discusses India’s food losses, the need for better technology, mechanisation, storage, and policy support to reduce these losses and improve food security and environmental sustainability.

For detailed information on Issue of food wastage in India read this article here

What is Food Loss and Waste (FLW) and Why is it Important?

1. The UN observes September 29 as the International Day of Awareness of FLW.
2. Globally, food loss between harvest and retail is 13.2% of production, and food wasted after retail is 17%. Together, FLW accounts for 30% of global food production.
3. Reducing FLW by half could feed all hungry people and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 8-10%.
4. FLW also impacts energy use, with potential savings of 38%.
5. Addressing FLW can significantly contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for food security and environmental sustainability.

For detailed information on Food Waste Index Report 2024 read this article here

Where Does India Stand in Terms of FLW?

1. In India, post-harvest losses amount to Rs 1.53 trillion ($18.5 billion).
2. Losses include 12.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cereals, 2.11 MMT of oilseeds, and 1.37 MMT of pulses.
3. Horticultural losses total 49.9 MMT annually due to poor cold chain infrastructure.

What are the Key Causes of FLW in India?

1. Low Mechanisation: A lack of machinery like combine harvesters leads to higher food losses. In Bihar, only 10% of paddy farmers use combine harvesters, compared to 97% in Punjab, resulting in higher losses.
2. Inadequate Storage Infrastructure: Poor storage leads to 10% of total food grain production losses. The government plans to increase storage capacity by 70 MMT in five years.
3. Poor Cold Chain: Horticultural crops lose 49.9 million metric tons (MMT) annually due to poor cold chain infrastructure, affecting fresh produce availability and farmer income.

What Should be Done?

1. Upgrade Storage Systems: The government’s plan to add 70 MMT of storage capacity over five years could reduce 10% of food grain losses.
2. Promote Green Technologies: Encourage the use of solar dryers and airtight bags to cut losses and improve food safety.
3. Revisit the Jute Packaging Material Act (1987): While jute is biodegradable, its use leads to rodent attacks and pilferage in tropical climates. Expanding the use of airtight bags could reduce storage and transit losses.
4. Strengthen Policy Support: Support small farmers with mechanisation through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs).

Question for practice:

Discuss the key causes of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India and the measures that can be taken to address them.