Food wastage in India is a social and environmental crisis

Source: The post Food wastage in India is a social and environmental crisis has been created, based on the article “Colossal wastage that is food for thought” published in “The Hindu” on 25th March 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- issues of buffer stocks and food security

Context: The United Nations Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index Report (FWIR) 2024 indicates that in 2022, approximately 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted globally, with India being a significant contributor. This issue not only reflects resource mismanagement but also underscores a deep moral and environmental crisis.

For detailed information on Causes of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India read this article here

Current status of Food Wastage

1. In 2022, the world wasted 1.05 billion tonnes of food, nearly 20% of all food available to consumers.
2. India is the second-highest contributor to food waste, after China.
3. Indian households waste 55 kg of food per person annually.
4. Globally, food waste costs about $1 trillion every year.

Impacts of Food Wastage

1. Environmental Impact: Food waste accounts for 10%-12% of India’s municipal waste and significant methane emissions, intensifying climate change. Globally, it contributes 8%-10% to annual greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Economic Loss: Globally, food worth a trillion dollars is wasted each year. In India, 78 million tonnes of food are wasted annually.
3. Social Injustice: Despite being a major food producer, food wastage in India prevents access to food for over 200 million hungry Indians, hindering progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.

Strategies for Reduction

Addressing food waste requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Individual Actions: Households can reduce waste through efficient meal planning, shopping, and food storage practices. Utilizing leftovers creatively and composting kitchen scraps can also mitigate waste.
2. Systemic Reforms: The government needs to enhance infrastructure for cold storage and transportation. Businesses should adopt sustainable practices such as redistributing unsold food. Educational institutions play a role in raising awareness about responsible consumption.
3. Policy Initiatives: Policymakers should support innovative solutions like food redistribution networks and improved cold storage facilities. Programs like India’s “Save Food Share Food” demonstrate the effectiveness of large-scale food redistribution efforts.

Conclusion

The critical situation in India regarding food waste demands urgent attention to reduce the carbon footprint, ensure food security, and address social inequalities. By valuing what is already produced and advocating for sustainable food systems, India can make significant strides towards a future where no resources are wasted, and no one goes hungry.

Question for practice:

Examine the causes, impacts, and possible solutions to the issue of food wastage in India as highlighted in the United Nations Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index Report 2024.