India’s rank in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 stands at 105 out of 127 countries, revealing high levels of undernourishment and widespread hunger despite the country’s economic growth.

Status of India Along with Reasons

• The 2024 GHI Index ranks India 105th out of 127 countries with a “serious” hunger level (score 27.3), though the situation could be considered “extremely alarming” based on additional factors.
• According to the report, 13.7% of the population is undernourished, with 35.5% of children stunted and 18.7% wasted. 
• Additionally, 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday, making India the country with the highest child wasting rate globally.

The report attributes these alarming statistics to several factors, including:

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• Intergenerational Undernutrition:
  • The poor nutritional status of mothers directly affects the health of their children, leading to an ongoing cycle of malnutrition. 
  • Many mothers experience insufficient weight gain during pregnancy, resulting in low birth weight among infants.
• Economic Inequalities:
  • Despite economic growth, a direct relationship between GDP growth and improved nutritional security is not guaranteed.  
  • Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in FY24 with a GDP of $4 trillion, hunger and malnutrition persist. 
  • India’s per capita income of $2,485 is far below the global average, reflecting wide income inequality, which worsens food insecurity.
• Inflation: 
  • Despite food inflation more than doubling from 3.8% in FY22 to 7.5% in FY24 due to extreme weather and crop damage, India achieved a record food production of 332 million tonnes, mainly from rice and wheat. 
  • However, the production of vegetables and pulses was adversely affected, leading to their shortage and an increase in food inflation.
• Constitutional Failure: 
  • Article 47 mandates the state to improve nutrition and living standards, but India’s inability to tackle hunger and malnutrition reflects a failure to fulfil this constitutional duty.

Measures to Address the Crisis

• Improved Access to Safety Nets: Strengthening programs like the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS), PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY), and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to enhance food security.
• Investments in Agriculture: Promoting diversified and nutritious food production, including nutri-cereals such as millets, to ensure a more sustainable food system.
• Focus on Mother and Child Health: Prioritising investments in healthcare, along with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.
• Addressing Gender and Climate Change: Recognizing and mitigating the impacts of gender inequality and climate change on nutrition and food security.

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Conclusion

The 2024 Global Hunger Index raises serious concerns, highlighting that true development is not just about GDP growth but about ensuring access to basic necessities like food and nutrition for everyone. Addressing hunger is essential for a just and equitable society.

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