IFPRI Releases “Global Food Policy Report 2021”

What is the News? The International Food Policy Research Institute(IFPRI) released the Global Food Policy Report, 2021.

About Global Food Policy Report, 2021:

• Purpose: The report provides lessons drawn from the current crisis. Especially the lessons that can help
  • transform food systems to reduce the impact of the ongoing pandemic,
  • better prepare for future shocks, and
  • address long-standing weaknesses and inequalities.
• Theme: “Transforming Food Systems After COVID-19”.

Key Findings related to India:

• Firstly, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pandemic restrictions resulted in half of India’s poor people deprived of nutritious food.
• Secondly, the midday meal program of India that covers 80% of primary-school-age children in the country, was affected due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
• Thirdly, 50% of households in India reported that women spent more time fetching firewood and water in comparison with the previous year.
• Fourthly, efforts of India to incorporate migrant workers into social protection programs were a huge success.

Other Key Findings:

• The number of poor people living below the poverty line is to increase by 150 million as compared to the pre-pandemic levels.
• Women accounted for 39% of employment globally. However, they incurred 54% of job losses during the pandemic.

About IFPRI:

• International Food Policy Research Institute(IFPRI) is a non-profit international research center founded in 1976.
• Mandate: To provide research-based policy solutions that sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition.
• Headquarters: Washington, USA.

Source: Indian Express