India plays a decisive role in global hunger reduction, but nutrition challenges persist
Global chronic undernourishment is declining, with 673 million people undernourished in 2024, down from 688 million in 2023, marking a reversal from COVID-19 increases. India has been pivotal in this progress, driven by policy investments in food security, digital technology, and improved service delivery. The prevalence of undernourishment in India decreased from 14.3% (2020-22) to 12% (2022-24), meaning 30 million fewer people living with hunger. This success is largely attributed to the transformed Public Distribution System (PDS) through digitalization and Aadhaar-enabled targeting. However, challenges remain in nutrition, with healthy diets unaffordable for over 60% of the population, necessitating agrifood system transformation and continued investment in digital tools and women-led enterprises.
Key Points
- Global chronic undernourishment has decreased, with India significantly contributing to this positive trend.
- India's prevalence of undernourishment declined from 14.3% to 12% between 2020-22 and 2022-24, reducing the number of hungry people by 30 million.
- The transformation of India's Public Distribution System (PDS) through digitalization and Aadhaar-enabled targeting is central to this achievement.
- Despite progress in hunger reduction, over 60% of the Indian population cannot afford a healthy diet, highlighting persistent nutrition challenges.
- India needs to transform its agrifood system, invest in digital tools like AgriStack and e-NAM, and support women-led food enterprises to address malnutrition and food security comprehensively.
Exam Facts
- Global undernourished population (2024): 673 million.
- India's undernourishment prevalence: 12% (2022-24).
- Key initiatives: Public Distribution System (PDS), Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN).
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger.
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