Food Wastage in India: Current Status, Reasons, and Way Forward

Context

Recently, the Food Waste Index 2024 was published by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Introduction to Food

• Divine Substance: Upanishads written in 700 BC are the essence of our Vedic knowledge. Food is considered a divine substance.
• Value of Food: Our ancestors knew the importance of food thousands of years ago, and we have all forgotten it today. Food is not just a source of nourishment but also a gift from nature that should be cherished and respected.
• Treatment towards food: The way we treat food reflects our attitude towards life and the environment

Current State of Food Wastage

• Food Wastage in the World: Every day, 1 billion meals are wasted worldwide. In 2022, 19% of all food available was wasted.
  • Meanwhile, 80 crore people in the world go to sleep daily without food.
• Effect of Food Wastage: Food wastage contributes to environmental degradation, climate change, and economic losses.

Food Wastage in India

• Data on Food Wastage in India: 78 million food is wasted every year in Indian households.
• Rank of India in Food Wastage: India ranks 111 out of 125 countries in Global Hunger Index.
• Enough to Feed a State: The amount of food wasted in India annually can feed the state of Bihar for a year
• Reasons for Food Wastage: Food wastage in India is a complex issue that involves social, cultural, and economic factors.

Food Wastage in Developing Countries

• Food Wastage in Developing Countries: Food wastage becomes more complicated in developing countries
• Reasons of Food wastage: According to an FAO report, in developing countries like India, food wastage begins at the harvesting stage, poor storage, or logistics phase
  • This leads to up to 40% food wastage
• Lack of Infrastructure: Lack of proper infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and transportation networks contribute to food losses
• Limited Resources: Smallholder farmers in developing countries are particularly vulnerable to food wastage due to limited resources and market access.

Reasons for Food Wastage at the Household Level Careless attitude towards food

Thinking there is excess food in the world

• Cultural factors: such as considering a heavy plate as a symbol of prosperity.
• Ordering of Extra Food: Increased food ordering through apps like Zomato and Swiggy.
• Poor Meal Planning: Poor meal planning and impulse buying leading to overbuying and spoilage.

Food Wastage at Social Gatherings

• Food Wastage in Social Gatherings: Food wastage at social gatherings like wedding functions has emerged as a big challenge.
• Status Symbol: People prepare different varieties of food to show off, while consumption is very low, and the rest is simply thrown away.
• Social Pressure: Social pressure to serve abundant food and the fear of running short contribute to over-preparation.
• Inadequate Planning: Lack of proper planning and coordination among event organizers, caterers, and guests leads to food wastage. The trend of lavish and extravagant weddings has exacerbated the problem of food wastage.

Urban-Rural Divide and Climate Change

• Urban vs Rural Area: More food is wasted in urban areas, while less in rural areas because leftovers are fed to animals.
• Impact of Climate change: Food wastage is more evident in hotter countries due to frequent droughts or famine situations caused by climate change.
  • Climate change exacerbates food wastage by affecting crop yields, causing supply chain disruptions, and altering food quality. 
• Urban Lifestyle issue: Urban lifestyles, characterized by busy schedules and eating out, contribute to higher food wastage.
• Traditional Practice by Rural Communities: Rural communities often have traditional food preservation practices and utilization of leftovers.

Way Forward 

• Setting of Reduction Targets: Prioritize the problem of food wastage and set clear reduction targets at national and global levels.
• Promoting Sustainable practices: Promote sustainable food production and consumption through education and awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

To save food wastage in India, encourage donation and redistribution programs to ensure excess food reaches those in need.  Implement effective food waste management systems, including composting and waste-to-energy solutions.