Context:
Recently, World Food Day was observed on 16th October focusing on the urgent need to eradicate hunger and build resilient global food systems.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
World Food Day 2024: Emphasizing the Right to Food for a Better Future
Overview
World Food Day 2024 celebrates an essential human right under the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” This day, commemorated every year on October 16th, marks the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by the United Nations on October 16, 1945.
Historical Context and Global Recognition
- Inception of World Food Day: Established in 1979 during the FAO’s 20th General Conference, the day received formal endorsement from the UN General Assembly in 1984, signifying its global importance.
- Right to Food: Recognized as a fundamental human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the right to food is pivotal for ensuring that all individuals have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.
Global Sustainability and India’s Role
- WWF’s Living Planet Report: The report highlighted India’s food consumption patterns as a model of sustainability among G20 countries. Notably, it mentioned that if global populations adopted similar dietary patterns as India, the ecological footprint would be significantly reduced, requiring the resources of only 0.84 Earths by 2050 to sustain food production.
India’s Commitment to Enhancing Food Security
- Legislative and Policy Framework: India has instituted robust measures to secure food for its population, including:
- National Food Security Act, 2013: Aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s 1.2 billion population.
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): A relief package that offers free food grains to the poor amid the ongoing economic challenges.
- PM POSHAN Scheme: Formerly known as Mid-Day Meal Scheme, it provides meals to school-age children to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana: Targets the poorest of the poor by providing highly subsidized food.
- Rice Fortification Initiative: Aims to enhance the nutritional quality of rice distributed under various government schemes to combat malnutrition.
- Price Stabilization Fund (PSF): Established to control price volatility for staple crops and ensure affordability for consumers.
Conclusion
World Food Day 2024 not only commemorates the progress in the right to food but also underscores the ongoing challenges and the innovative solutions being implemented worldwide, particularly in India. The emphasis on sustainable consumption patterns and robust food security programs exemplifies the global and national commitments towards a nourished and sustainable future.
