Q. Despite sufficient global food production, millions go hungry each day, a paradox sharpened by the alarming scale of food wastage. In this context highlight the socio-economic and environmental implications of food wastage and suggest measures to minimize food loss in alignment with SDG 12. (15 marks, 250 words)

Core Demand of the Question

  • Discuss the reasons that despite sufficient global food production why millions go hungry each day.
  • Highlight the socio-economic and environmental implications of food wastage.
  • Suggest measures to minimize food loss in alignment with SDG 12.

Answer

Despite sufficient global food production, millions in India go hungry daily due to staggering food wastage. This paradox fuels economic losses, environmental degradation, and undermines food security, necessitating urgent action aligned with SDG 12 to halve food waste and promote sustainable consumption.

Reasons for Food Wastage in India

  • Post‑Harvest Losses: Inadequate storage, transportation, and handling infrastructure lead to spoilage.
    Eg: A 2022 NABARD study found 8.1% of fruits and 7.27% of vegetables lost post‑harvest.
  • Household Waste: Overbuying, wrong meal planning, and cultural indifference lead to surplus.
    Eg: Indian households waste ~50 kg per capita annually (~78 million tonnes total).
  • Retail & Food Service Losses: Poor inventory control and supply chain inefficiencies cause wastage.
    Eg: Globally, 13% of food losses occur in production ,mirrored in India.
  • Consumer Attitudes: Lack of awareness and shifting cultural values result in discarding edible food.
  • Unclear Definitions: Lack of standardized definitions hampers measurement and policy formulation.
    Eg: Food Waste Index Report 2024 recommends clear classification of loss vs. waste.

Socio‑Economic & Environmental Implications of Food Wastage

Socio‑Economic

  • Economic Losses: Wastage reduces farmer incomes and national GDP.
    Eg: NABARD estimated losses at ₹1.52 lakh crore (~3.7% of agricultural GVA).
  • Food Insecurity: Wasted food could feed millions suffering hunger.
    Eg: Household waste could feed 377 million people annually.
  • Inefficient Welfare Use: Misallocates resources intended for welfare and PDS.
  • Farmer Distress: Women disproportionately affected by loss of income from unsold produce.
    Eg: Farm productivity and livelihoods are deeply tied to waste reduction.

Environmental

  • Resource Wastage: Wasted food squanders land, water, energy, and labour.
    Eg: As per UN World water Development Report Agriculture uses ~70% of freshwater and food waste leads to wastage of the water resource..
  • GHG Emissions: Food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
    Eg: Waste contributes ~6% of global GHG emissions and degrades the environment.
  • Methane Emissions: Landfilled organic waste releases methane, a potent climate gas.
    Eg: Decomposing food in India contributes heavily to CH₄ emissions.
  • Ecosystem Damage: Excess production to compensate for losses overwhelms ecosystems.
    Eg: Increased fertilizer use and resource pressure grade biodiversity and soil.

Measures to Minimize Food Loss (SDG 12 Alignment)

  • Enhance Cold Chains & Storage: Subsidize infrastructure via PMKSY and cold chain schemes.
    Eg: PMKSY funds integrated cold chain facilities funded by the Ministry of Food Processing.
  • Standardize Definitions & Measurement: Implement national food waste audit protocols.
    Eg: Adopt Food Waste Index and conduct representative national studies as advised in 2024.
  • Public–Private Partnerships: Encourage PPPs for logistics, retail efficiency, and redistribution.
    Eg:Save-Food Share-Food‘ initiative by FSSAI promotes surplus redistribution.
  • Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Educate households on meal planning, portioning, and left‑over use.
    Eg: Think Twenty (T20) policy brief recommends public campaigns to shift consumption culture.
  • Incentivize Food Donation & Recycling: Introduce Legal and fiscal incentives for redistribution.
    Eg: Formalizing donation channels aligns with SDG 12.3 on responsible consumption.

Food wastage in India inflicts massive economic, social, and environmental harm. By strengthening post‑harvest infrastructure, standardizing data, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable consumption aligned with SDG 12.3 India can transform food systems to ensure greater equity, efficiency, and climate resilience.

To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?
Begin Your Pr|

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.