India Wastes ₹1.55 Lakh Crore Worth of Food Annually, Ranks Second Globally
India ranks second globally in food waste, discarding 78-80 million tonnes of food worth ₹1.55 lakh crore annually, according to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024. This starkly contrasts with India's 111th rank in the Global Hunger Index. Food loss and waste contribute 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane from landfills being a significant concern. The article emphasizes the need for a systemic overhaul, including building robust cold chains, legislating against waste, empowering farmers to reduce post-harvest losses, implementing mandatory waste reporting, and reviving the cultural ethic of treating food as sacred ('Anna Brahma').
Key Points
- India is the second-largest food-wasting nation globally, discarding 78-80 million tonnes of food annually.
- The value of food wasted in India each year is estimated at ₹1.55 lakh crore.
- Food waste has significant environmental consequences, contributing 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane.
- Despite high food waste, India ranks 111th in the Global Hunger Index, highlighting a paradox of inefficiency and apathy.
- Key solutions include strengthening cold chain infrastructure, enacting laws against food waste, supporting farmers, and promoting a cultural shift towards valuing food.
Exam Facts
- The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 highlights global food waste.
- India wastes 78-80 million tonnes of food annually, valued at ₹1.55 lakh crore.
- India ranks 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index.
- Food loss and waste account for 8-10% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions.
- Per capita household food waste in India is 55 kg annually.
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