Addressing Food Loss and Waste to Ensure Global Food Security and Climate Sustainability
Observed on September 29, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) highlights that one-third of global food is lost or wasted. In India, post-harvest losses cost nearly ₹1.5 trillion annually, impacting farmer incomes and environmental stability. Food loss contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from rotting paddy. Solutions include strengthening cold chains through the PMKSY scheme, adopting AI-driven forecasting for logistics, and promoting a circular economy where surplus food is redirected to food banks and waste is converted into compost or bioenergy.
Key Points
- Nearly one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, undermining food security and climate goals.
- In India, post-harvest losses amount to approximately 3.7% of the agricultural GDP, with fruits and vegetables being the most vulnerable.
- Food loss generates over 33 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions annually in India across 30 major crops.
- Technological interventions like IoT sensors, AI forecasting, and low-cost cooling chambers are vital for reducing supply chain inefficiencies.
Exam Facts
- September 29 is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW).
- Post-harvest losses cost India approximately ₹1.5 trillion annually.
- The Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) focuses on modernizing food logistics and processing infrastructure.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.