Explore Our Affordable Courses

Click Here

State of Food and Agriculture Report 2024

State of Food and Agriculture Report 2024

The State of Food and Agriculture report 2024 revealed that India’s hidden costs of agrifood systems are substantial, primarily driven by unhealthy dietary patterns.

What are agrifood systems?

  • This system includes all activities and actors which are part in moving food from farms to consumers. 
  • It includes various processes such as agricultural production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management. 
  • Significance:  It emphasizes the impact of economic, social, and environmental factor in determining how food reaches the consumers. 

  • Total Costs: India’s hidden costs of agrifood systems are around $1.3 trillion annually.
  • Main Drivers: Unhealthy dietary patterns and risks associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

About State of Food and Agriculture 2024 Report

  • Published by: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • Purpose of the SOFA Report
    • Comprehensive Analysis: Offers in-depth analysis of key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the agricultural and food sectors.
    • Policy Guidance: Provides evidence-based recommendations to help governments and stakeholders formulate policies for sustainable development.
    • Focus on Food Security: Examines pressing issues that affect global food security, nutrition, and agricultural productivity.
  • State of Food and Agriculture 2024 ReportKey Themes: 
    • Environmental Impact: Looks into the environmental costs of food production, such as greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and biodiversity loss.
    • Economic and Social Costs: Evaluates hidden economic and social costs, including health impacts, poverty among agrifood workers, and inequality within food systems.
    • Health and Nutrition: Highlights dietary risks and health challenges, especially the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases due to poor dietary patterns.

What are Hidden Costs in an agrifood system?

  • Hidden costs in agrifood systems refer to expenses that are not immediately apparent but arise from various aspects of food production and agriculture. 
  • These costs impact the environment, health, and society.
  • Environmental Impact
    • Food production can lead to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and biodiversity loss, all of which have hidden environmental costs.
  • Health Implications
    • Unhealthy dietary patterns stemming from certain food production practices increase healthcare expenses due to diseases related to poor nutrition.
  • Social and Economic Costs
    • Low wages and limited opportunities for agrifood workers contribute to poverty, which in turn affects overall productivity and economic stability.

Key Findings of the report

  • Key Contributors to Hidden Costs
    • Unhealthy Diets: High intake of processed foods and additives, coupled with low consumption of whole plant foods and healthy fatty acids, make up 73% of India’s agrifood hidden costs.
    • Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): These Dietary patterns are linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes represent substantial hidden costs.  
  • Impacts of Processed Foods and Low Plant-Based Diets
    • Processed Foods: The report estimates hidden costs from excessive processed food consumption at $128 billion.
    • Low Plant and Nutrient-Rich Foods: Insufficient intake of whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats adds $846 billion to hidden costs.
  • Additional Social and Environmental Costs
    • Social Costs: Low productivity and wages among agrifood workers, driven by systemic distribution challenges, contribute to hidden costs.
    • Environmental Impact: Emissions from the food supply chain, including GHG emissions, nitrogen leaching, and runoff, add to environmental hidden costs.
  • Global Context of Hidden Costs
    • India has the third-highest hidden agrifood costs worldwide, following China ($1.8 trillion) and the United States ($1.4 trillion).
    • Globally, agrifood systems’ hidden costs are estimated at $12 trillion annually in which  unhealthy dietary patterns alone account for $8.1 trillion.

Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store

Recommendations for Sustainable Agrifood Systems

  • Promote Healthier Diets: Advocates for policies that make nutritious food more accessible and affordable to reduce health-related costs.
  • Environmental Conservation: Encourages practices that lower greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen pollution, and promote biodiversity.
  • Empowering Consumers: Recommends empowering consumers with information about the social, environmental, and health impacts of food choices.

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

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

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.