The Hindu Editorial Analysis
19 August 2025
The path to ending global hunger runs through India
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic :GS Paper II – Governance | GS III – Economy & Agriculture | GS II/III – International Relations & SDGs
Context
The UN’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report shows global undernourishment has declined to 8.2% of the population in 2024 (down from 8.5% in 2023). India has played a crucial role in this global reversal through reforms in its Public Distribution System (PDS), nutrition schemes, and agrifood transformation, marking a decisive policy shift since COVID-19.
Key Issues and Arguments
1. India’s Decisive Role
- Decline in undernourishment in India: 14.3% (2020-22) → 12% (2022-24).
- Over 30 million fewer people living with hunger.
- Gains reflect policy investments in:
- Food security
- Nutrition
- Smarter governance
- Digital innovations
2. Transformation of the Public Distribution System (PDS)
- Digitisation, Aadhaar-enabled targeting, biometric authentication.
- Real-time inventory tracking and One Nation One Ration Card platform.
- Improved access for migrants and vulnerable households.
3. From Calories to Nutrition
- Over 60% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet due to high prices, weak cold chains, and poor market linkages.
- Government schemes addressing this gap:
- PM POSHAN (school feeding, 2021)
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) – nutrition and child development focus
4. Agrifood System Transformation
- Need to improve affordability of nutrient-rich foods (pulses, fruits, vegetables, animal proteins).
- Reduce 13% post-harvest food loss through better storage and logistics.
- Promote climate-resilient crops and strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
5. Role of Digital Advantage
- Platforms like AgriStack, e-NAM, geospatial data tools can improve:
- Market access
- Agricultural planning
- Nutrition-sensitive interventions
6. Global Significance: A Symbol of Hope
- FAO stresses India’s role is not just national, but global.
- India’s innovations in digital governance, social protection, and agritech can inspire developing countries.
- Aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and broader 2030 Agenda.
Policy Gaps Identified
| Area | Gaps |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | Affordability of healthy diets remains poor |
| Market Linkages | Inadequate cold chains, poor logistics |
| Urban Poor | Rising obesity, malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies |
| Agrifood Systems | Still heavily calorie-driven, less nutrition-sensitive |
Suggestions for the Way Forward
- Nutrition-Centric Policies – Expand beyond calorie support to ensure diverse diets.
- Women & Local Enterprises – Strengthen women-led food businesses, FPOs, and cooperatives.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Promote sustainable, resilient crops for dual benefits of nutrition and livelihood.
- Digital Innovation – Scale AgriStack, e-NAM, AI, and geospatial tools to make supply chains efficient.
- Global Leadership – India should share best practices with the Global South, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable food systems.
Ethical and Philosophical Dimension
- Hunger reduction is not just about feeding stomachs, but about ensuring dignity, resilience, and opportunity.
- Ethical leadership requires balancing political will, inclusion, and sustainability.
Conclusion
India’s leadership in reducing hunger demonstrates how policy innovation, digital governance, and community resilience can transform global food systems. With five years left for the 2030 SDGs, India’s momentum can turn the fight against hunger into a journey toward nutritional justice, global cooperation, and equitable growth.