Achieving Food Security in India: Lessons and Strategies

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Introduction

Food security, understood as ensuring access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all, has emerged as a defining challenge of the 21st century. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report notes a shift in global hunger trends, reflecting gradual recovery from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This progress is significant as it links directly with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), which calls for ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

India occupies a central place in this context, both because of the scale of its population and the systemic reforms undertaken in recent years. Measures such as the digitalisation of the Public Distribution System, the portability of ration cards, and the strengthening of nutrition-sensitive schemes have shaped its response. At the same time, concerns remain around dietary diversity, food affordability, and the persistence of malnutrition. These issues reflect the evolving nature of the food security debate, which increasingly goes beyond availability to questions of access, nutrition, and resilience.


Current Status

Global Level

  • Chronic undernourishment has declined to 673 million in 2024 from 688 million in 2023, though still higher than the 7.3% (2018 pre-pandemic) level.

  • Around 22% of children under five are stunted globally (~149 million children).

  • 6.7% of children are wasted and 5.7% are overweight, reflecting a dual burden of malnutrition.

  • Food loss stands at ~13% of global production, with major implications for food security.

  • Progress in reducing stunting (~1.8% annually) continues, but anaemia among women and children remains widespread.

  • The global agenda is shifting from calorie sufficiency to nutritious and affordable diets.

Indian Level

  • Undernourishment declined from 14.3% (2020–22) to 12% (2022–24), with about 30 million fewer people hungry.

  • 34.7% of children under five are stunted and 17.3% are wasted, both higher than global averages.

  • Anaemia affects 53% of women (15–49 years), posing a major health challenge.

  • India wastes nearly 74 million tonnes of food annually (≈22% of foodgrain output); households account for ~70% of this waste.

  • Public Distribution System (PDS) covers 800+ million people, supported by digitalisation and ration portability.

  • Despite these measures, over 60% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet, and micronutrient deficiencies persist.

  • Under POSHAN Abhiyaan, annual targets are –2 percentage points in stunting, underweight, low birth weight and –3 percentage points in anaemia.

  • CNNS and NFHS data show improvements, but levels of malnutrition remain significantly high compared to global standards.


Measurements Used in India and the World

Global Level

  • Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU) – FAO’s key indicator for hunger.

  • Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) – Household survey tool on food insecurity severity.

  • Global Hunger Index (GHI) – Composite indicator combining undernourishment, child wasting, stunting, and child mortality.

  • Global Nutrition Targets (WHO/UNICEF) – Indicators on stunting, wasting, overweight, anaemia in women, and low birth weight.

  • Food Loss Index – Proportion of food lost across supply chains.

  • Affordability of Healthy Diets – FAO/World Bank measure based on diet cost vs. income levels.

Indian Level

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS) – Tracks child nutrition, maternal health, and anaemia.

  • Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) – Biomarker-based assessment of nutrition among children and adolescents.

  • POSHAN Abhiyaan Framework – Sets reduction targets for stunting, underweight, low birth weight, and anaemia.

  • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) & Anemia Mukt Bharat Dashboards – Monitor programme outcomes and coverage.

  • National Sample Survey (NSS) on Consumption / NSO Expenditure Surveys – Assess household-level food consumption and affordability.

  • NITI Aayog SDG India Index – Ranks states’ progress on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

  • Food Wastage Estimates (FSSAI/MoFPI) – Monitor food loss and wastage in supply chains.


Sources of Food Security

Sources of food security refer to the systems, policies, and mechanisms that ensure people have regular physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Global Level

  • Agricultural trade under multilateral frameworks like the WTO.

  • World Food Programme (WFP) safety nets for emergencies.

  • Humanitarian food aid coordinated by UN agencies.

  • Climate-resilient agriculture and sustainability initiatives by the FAO.

  • International grain reserves and price monitoring mechanisms to reduce volatility.

Indian Level

  • Public Distribution System (PDS) with One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) portability.

  • National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 providing legal entitlement to foodgrains.

  • Buffer stock and Minimum Support Price (MSP) system managed by the FCI.

  • Nutrition and feeding programmes – ICDS, PM POSHAN, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anemia Mukt Bharat.

  • Agricultural production base of cereals, pulses, horticulture, and livestock.

  • Food processing and storage infrastructure with regulation by MoFPI and FSSAI.

  • Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and private sector strengthening supply chains.

  • Relief schemes like PMGKAY for vulnerable households.


Significance of Food Security

  • Nutritional Well-being – Prevents hunger, malnutrition, stunting, wasting, underweight, and anaemia, particularly among children, women, and vulnerable groups.

  • Human Capital Development – A well-nourished population ensures better learning outcomes, higher productivity, and innovation, forming the backbone of national development.

  • Economic Stability – Provides a productive workforce, reduces malnutrition-related healthcare costs, and acts as a direct tool for poverty reduction.

  • Social Justice – Acts as an equaliser by addressing hunger, malnutrition, and child development, thereby promoting equity and inclusive growth.

  • Political Legitimacy – Large-scale food schemes like PDS, NFSA, and PM Poshan serve as critical welfare measures that strengthen governance and citizens’ trust in the state.

  • Strategic Importance – Enhances self-reliance in essential food commodities, reduces vulnerability to global supply shocks, and ensures national security.

  • Climate and Environmental Sustainability – Promotes climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable farming, and efficient resource use, reducing risks in a changing climate.

  • Global Contribution – India’s advances in agriculture, food distribution, and nutrition programmes contribute to reducing global hunger and strengthen its leadership in the Global South.

  • Alignment with SDGs – Directly linked to SDG 2: Zero Hunger and interconnected with health, poverty, gender equality, and climate action goals.

  • Holistic Development – Goes beyond food supply to ensure dignity, social protection, and resilience of individuals and communities.


Causes of Food Insecurity

  • Poverty and Inequality – Limited purchasing power restricts access to adequate and nutritious food.

  • High Prices of Nutrient-Dense Foods – Fruits, vegetables, pulses, and protein sources are often unaffordable compared to calorie-dense staples.

  • Post-Harvest Losses – Inefficient harvesting, storage, and transportation lead to significant wastage before reaching consumers.

  • Inadequate Cold Chains and Market Linkages – Perishables often spoil due to weak infrastructure and fragmented supply chains.

  • Climate Shocks – Droughts, floods, cyclones, and heatwaves reduce agricultural productivity and destabilise rural livelihoods.

  • Urbanisation-Driven Dietary Shifts – Preference for processed, unhealthy, and fast food leads to hidden hunger and nutrition insecurity.

  • Small and Marginal Farmer Vulnerability – Over 80% of farmers lack assured irrigation, access to credit, and market security, limiting resilience.

  • Overdependence on Monsoon – Rain-fed agriculture increases the risk of crop failures and fluctuating yields.

  • Land Degradation and Water Stress – Declining soil fertility, over-extraction of groundwater, and desertification threaten long-term food security.

  • Inadequate Employment Opportunities – Seasonal unemployment and informal labour markets limit household incomes to buy food.

  • Policy and Governance Gaps – Leakages in PDS, exclusion errors in NFSA, and regional imbalances reduce effectiveness of food schemes.

  • Global Supply Chain Disruptions – Conflicts, pandemics, and trade restrictions cause shortages and price volatility.

  • Population Pressure – Rising demand strains food production systems and increases dependency on imports.

  • Gender Disparities – Women’s limited access to land, income, and nutrition worsens intra-household food insecurity.

  • Conflict and Displacement – Migration, internal conflicts, and refugee crises disrupt food access and livelihoods.


Government Efforts Towards Food Security

  • Public Distribution System (PDS) Transformation

    • Start: Introduced in 1960s, reformed under Targeted PDS (1997). Digitalisation and One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) began 2019, achieved nationwide by 2022.

    • Duration: Continuous, with ongoing upgrades.

    • Impact: Ensured portability for over 80 crore beneficiaries, reduced leakages through Aadhaar-based authentication and real-time tracking.

  • National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

    • Start: Enacted in September 2013.

    • Duration: Ongoing as a permanent law.

    • Impact: Legal entitlement to subsidised foodgrains for ~81.35 crore people (67% of population); expanded scope of food security from welfare to a rights-based approach.

  • PM POSHAN (earlier Mid-Day Meal Scheme)

    • Start: Mid-Day Meal began in 1995; revamped as PM POSHAN in September 2021.

    • Duration: Centrally sponsored scheme, ongoing.

    • Impact: Benefits 11.8 crore schoolchildren (Classes 1–8); improves attendance, learning outcomes, and nutritional intake; now includes fortified rice, millets, and kitchen gardens.

  • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

    • Start: Launched on 2 October 1975.

    • Duration: Ongoing flagship programme.

    • Impact: Covers 10.4 crore beneficiaries, including children under 6, pregnant women, and lactating mothers; major role in combating child malnutrition.

  • e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

    • Start: Launched in April 2016.

    • Duration: Expanding network continuously.

    • Impact: Connected 1,389 mandis across 23 states/UTs; created a pan-India agricultural trading platform benefiting millions of farmers with better price discovery and transparency.

  • Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

    • Start: Approved in July 2020, for 10 years (till 2030).

    • Duration: 2020–2030.

    • Impact: Mobilised over ₹47,000 crore investment in cold chains, warehouses, and food processing units; reduces post-harvest losses and strengthens storage.

  • Food Storage Modernisation (Silos & Smart Warehouses)

    • Start: National Policy on Storage Modernisation rolled out 2022, with projects ongoing.

    • Duration: Medium to long term (10–15 years).

    • Impact: Establishing 111 lakh MT storage capacity in silos by 2026–27; reduces wastage, improves buffer stock management, and enables climate-resilient storage.

  • AgriStack (Digital Agriculture Ecosystem)

    • Start: Initiated in 2021 under the Digital Agriculture Mission.

    • Duration: Long-term digital infrastructure project.

    • Impact: Aims to create unique farmer IDs linked with land records, enabling precision agriculture, targeted subsidies, and digital market access.

  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

    • Start: First launched in April 2020 during COVID-19.

    • Duration: Multiple phases; made permanent in January 2023 (free 5 kg foodgrains per person/month under NFSA).

    • Impact: Provided free food to 80 crore people, preventing a hunger crisis during pandemic; now guarantees zero-cost foodgrain access to poor households.


Private Initiatives

  • Agritech start-ups – Platforms such as Ninjacart, DeHaat, and AgroStar use AI, data analytics, and digital supply chains to directly connect farmers with markets, improving price realization and reducing middlemen.

  • Food processing and cold-chain infrastructure – Private firms have invested in processing units, warehouses, and cold storages, helping extend shelf-life of perishables and cut food losses.

  • CSR initiatives – Large corporates (e.g., in FMCG and food sectors) run nutrition programs for schoolchildren, women, and marginalised groups, with a focus on malnutrition reduction and dietary diversity.

  • Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and cooperatives – Many are women-led or community-owned, ensuring local food security, crop diversification, and better bargaining power.

  • Agri-fintech solutions – Private fintech companies provide digital credit, crop insurance, and input financing to smallholders, enabling resilience against income shocks.

  • Contract farming and partnerships – Agribusinesses in dairy, poultry, and horticulture engage farmers through contract farming, ensuring stable demand and assured prices.


Case Studies

  • Chhattisgarh – PDS Reform (2012 onwards)

    • Known as the “Chhattisgarh Model”, the state transformed its Public Distribution System by computerising supply chains, ensuring doorstep delivery to fair price shops, and involving panchayats and self-help groups in management.

    • Impact: Leakage reduced drastically, PDS coverage expanded, and the state achieved one of the highest rates of food grain distribution efficiency in India.

  • Kerala – Kudumbashree Mission (1998 onwards)

    • A women-led self-help group network, working on community kitchens, nutrition gardens, and micro-enterprises in food processing.

    • Impact: Improved women’s empowerment, local food availability, and dietary diversity, especially during the pandemic when community kitchens provided meals at scale.

  • Tamil Nadu – Amma Canteens (2013 onwards)

    • Low-cost canteens offering subsidised, hygienic, cooked meals to urban poor.

    • Impact: Served as a safety net for migrant workers and daily wage earners, ensuring access to affordable meals in cities.

  • Odisha – Millet Mission (2017 onwards)

    • Revived traditional millets through farmer incentives, procurement at MSP, and promotion in ICDS and mid-day meals.

    • Impact: Enhanced nutritional security, climate resilience, and farmer incomes, making Odisha a national leader in millet promotion.

  • Karnataka – Ksheera Bhagya Scheme (2013 onwards)

    • Provides free milk to schoolchildren five days a week under PM Poshan (mid-day meal) and anganwadis.

    • Impact: Helped tackle protein deficiency and child malnutrition, improving learning outcomes.


Way Forward

  • Nutrition over Calories: Move beyond grain security to diversified diets, promoting pulses, millets, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and animal protein. Introduce fortified foods to tackle micronutrient deficiencies.

  • Post-Harvest & Supply Chain Investments: Expand cold storage, warehouses, and efficient logistics, reduce food loss and wastage, and ensure affordable, nutritious food reaches all regions.

  • Women & Community Empowerment: Support women-led FPOs, SHGs, and cooperatives to implement nutrition-sensitive agriculture, value addition, and equitable food distribution.

  • Digital Transformation: Leverage AgriStack, e-NAM, geospatial tools, and blockchain to improve market access, crop planning, and transparent subsidy delivery, ensuring inclusion of smallholders and marginal farmers.

  • Urban Food Security & Health: Develop city-level nutrition strategies, promote healthy street food, urban gardens, and affordable canteens, addressing obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, and hidden hunger.

  • Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Encourage climate-smart practices, water-efficient irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and crop diversification to strengthen food system resilience.

  • Food Processing & Local Value Addition: Promote micro, small, and medium food-processing units to enhance shelf-life, reduce waste, and create local employment.

  • School and Community Nutrition Programs: Expand PM POSHAN and ICDS innovations, integrating dietary diversity, micronutrient supplementation, and nutrition education.

  • Policy & Governance Strengthening: Use data-driven decision-making, better monitoring of schemes, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective delivery of food security programmes.

  • Global Leadership and Knowledge Sharing: Position India as a model for food and nutrition security, sharing best practices such as digital PDS, millet promotion, and nutrition-sensitive interventions with other developing countries.

  • Research, Innovation, and Capacity Building: Invest in agricultural research, biotechnology, and rural training programs to improve productivity, nutrition outcomes, and farmer resilience.


Global Best Practices

  • Brazil’s Zero Hunger Programme (Fome Zero)
    Brazil's Zero Hunger Programme is a comprehensive initiative that integrates social protection, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and food security policies. It has significantly reduced extreme poverty and child malnutrition, serving as a model for other nations.

  • China’s Rural Revitalization Strategy
    China's approach focuses on targeted investments in rural households and agrifood chains, aiming to alleviate poverty and enhance food security. Studies indicate that such investments have led to increased agricultural productivity and improved rural livelihoods.

  • African Union’s Malabo Declaration
    The Malabo Declaration commits African Union member states to eliminate hunger by 2025, reduce post-harvest losses by 50%, and triple intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and services. This strategic framework aims to transform Africa's agricultural landscape and improve food security.

  • Mexico’s Oportunidades Programme
    Mexico's Oportunidades Programme (now Prospera) is a conditional cash transfer program that links financial support to families with children's school attendance and health clinic visits. This approach has improved nutrition and educational outcomes, particularly among rural populations.

  • Thailand’s Rice Subsidy Scheme
    Thailand's rice subsidy scheme guarantees a minimum price for rice farmers, ensuring stable incomes and food security. This policy has supported smallholder farmers and maintained rice production levels.

  • South Korea’s Food Security Model
    South Korea has implemented a combination of domestic production support, food reserves, and international aid to maintain food security. The country has also invested in agricultural technology to increase productivity and sustainability.

  • Japan’s Agricultural Innovation and Food Security
    Japan focuses on agricultural innovation, including the development of high-yield and climate-resilient crop varieties, to ensure food security. The country also emphasizes sustainable farming practices and efficient food distribution systems.

  • Singapore’s Urban Food Security Initiatives
    Singapore has developed urban farming technologies and policies to increase local food production, aiming to reduce dependence on food imports and enhance food security. These initiatives include vertical farming and the use of technology in agriculture.


Conclusion

Food security in 2025 remains a multifaceted challenge, influenced by economic, social, and environmental factors. While global undernourishment is gradually declining, hunger, malnutrition, and food affordability issues persist, especially among vulnerable populations. Reports like the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) highlight the impact of rising food prices on diet quality, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions. Strengthening supply chains, improving infrastructure, and enhancing market access are critical to reducing food losses and stabilizing prices. Humanitarian and development assistance remain essential in conflict-affected and crisis-prone regions.

Integrated approaches that combine social protection, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and efficient governance are key to resilient food systems. Investments in community-level initiatives, women-led enterprises, and digital tools can enhance access and equity. Monitoring and evaluation of programs ensure adaptive responses to evolving challenges. Climate-resilient practices and sustainable agriculture are necessary for long-term stability. NITI Aayog recommends enhancing dietary diversity, strengthening community-based nutrition programs, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Ultimately, coordinated global and local action is essential to achieve inclusive, resilient, and nutrition-sensitive food security for all.



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