Sustainable Dietary Practices in India: Key Findings from a WWF Research
The global community is facing a trio of pressing challenges: food security, climate change, and environmental degradation. A key to addressing these issues lies in improving consumption patterns and making food accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly. This is the focus of global efforts, as outlined by various international organisations.
To achieve a sustainable food system, attention must be directed towards adopting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing food waste, and improving accessibility. Achieving these goals would not only help combat climate change but also reduce environmental degradation.
In 2020, the costs associated with these challenges equated to 12% of the global GDP. However, there are promising signs of progress. For instance, countries like India and Nigeria have launched national initiatives to promote traditional millet cultivation, resulting in increased production, improved farmer incomes, and enhanced food security.
India's approach to economic development and sustainability provides an inspiring example for other nations. Its food habits, shaped by cultural traditions and available local produce, contribute to healthier and more nutritious diets. The World Wildlife Fund's Solving the Great Food Puzzle report highlights this point.
India's strides in reducing malnutrition are also noteworthy. Initiatives like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services, and POSHAN Abhiyaan have made a significant impact, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2).
The Indian government promotes millet cultivation as a sustainable alternative, focusing on traditional cereals known for their resilience and nutritional value. This is part of the National Millets Mission.
Moreover, government initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development in the Northeast Region have bolstered organic farming in India. Sikkim was recognised as a fully organic state in 2016.
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) advocates for healthier, sustainable diets through its Eat Right initiative. This programme aims to address the growing global issue of obesity and overweight adults.
Food production is one of the primary causes of environmental degradation. It consumes 40% of all habitable land, 70% of global freshwater, and contributes to over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting India's food practices, other countries could significantly decrease resource strain.
For instance, India's reliance on plant-based foods significantly lowers environmental impact. An individual can reduce their annual carbon footprint by 1 ton for a vegan diet and 1.5 tons for a vegetarian diet.
If other countries adopted India's food practices, global resource strain would decrease significantly. By 2050, less than one Earth would be needed to sustain food production if other countries followed India's practices.
In conclusion, India's sustainable food practices offer valuable insights as climate change, land degradation, and water pollution challenge global food security. The key steps for sustainable food production include sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, advancing bioengineered and smart foods, and directing subsidies towards nature-positive practices. The World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report 2024 underscores the urgency of these steps.
Read also:
- Medical professional advocates for increased action to address deficiency of primary care physicians
- Treating hypertension can potentially add a decade to a person's life span.
- Mau Forest Women Preservers: Maintainers of Food Independence and Protectors of Sovereignty
- Sustainable Dietary Practices in India: Findings from WWF Research
