Source: The post India drives global hunger decline and advances nutrition security has been created, based on the article “The path to ending global hunger runs through India” published in “The Hindu” on 19th August 2025. India drives global hunger decline and advances nutrition security.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Food security
Context:The UN’s 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition reports global undernourishment at 673 million in 2024, down from 688 million in 2023. India’s digitally enabled policies drive much of this progress. Yet pre-pandemic levels are unmet, and nutrition gaps, obesity, and deficiencies are rising.
For detailed information on Global Hunger Index and India read this article here
Global improvement and India’s role
1. Reversal in global hunger: Undernourishment now affects 8.2% of people, down from 2023, though above 2018’s 7.3%. The trend has turned after the severe COVID-19 spike.
2. India’s decisive contribution: Policy investments in food security and nutrition underpin gains. Digital technology, smarter governance, and service delivery strengthened outcomes.
3. Measured national progress: India’s undernourishment fell from 14.3% in 2020–22 to 12% in 2022–24. About 30 million fewer people face hunger.
4. Scale and disruption context: These results came despite the pandemic’s disruption and India’s large population base.
The PDS transformation
1. Digital backbone: The Public Distribution System was revitalised through digitalisation, Aadhaar-enabled targeting, real-time tracking, and biometric authentication.
2. Portability and inclusion: Electronic point-of-sale devices and One Nation One Ration Card made entitlements portable nationwide, aiding migrants and vulnerable households.
3. Crisis response and continuity: These innovations enabled rapid pandemic scale-up and continued subsidised staples for more than 800 million people.
4. Governance and delivery gains: Improved delivery systems ensured reliable and timely access to food support.
From calories to nutrition
1. Affordability challenge: A healthy diet remains unaffordable for over 60% of people due to high prices, weak cold chains, and poor market linkages.
2. Quality-focused programmes: PM POSHAN (2021) and ICDS now emphasise dietary diversity and nutrition sensitivity, improving child development and public health prospects.
3. Signs of dietary affordability progress: New UN data shows advances in making healthy diets more affordable despite food inflation.
4. Emerging nutrition burdens: Even as hunger falls, malnutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies are rising among poor urban and rural groups.
Transforming the agrifood system
1. Nutrient-rich supply and prices: India must boost production and affordability of pulses, fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods for low-income families.
2. Post-harvest infrastructure: Invest in cold storage and digital logistics to cut the 13% food loss between farm and market, improving availability and prices.
3. Inclusive enterprise support: Strengthen women-led food businesses and FPOs, especially in climate-resilient crops, to enhance nutrition and livelihoods.
4. Digital leverage: Use AgriStack, e-NAM, and geospatial tools to widen market access, guide planning, and deliver nutrition-sensitive support.
Global significance and the road ahead
1. International recognition: FAO notes India’s agrifood transformation as a global contribution and leadership opportunity across the Global South.
2. SDG timeline and focus shift: With five years to 2030, momentum must move from sustenance to nutrition, resilience, and opportunity.
3. Leadership and urgency: The hunger clock is ticking. The path to ending global hunger runs through India, whose continued leadership is essential.
Question for practice:
Examine the role of India’s digitalised PDS in reducing hunger and the remaining nutrition challenges.
