Sustainable Eating Practices in India Revealed through WWF Research
In recent years, India has emerged as a global leader in sustainable agriculture, with its practices offering valuable insights as climate change, land degradation, and water pollution challenge global food security.
The growth of organic farming in India can be attributed to the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in the Northeast Region (MOVCDNER). These initiatives have contributed significantly to the expansion of organic farming, with Sikkim becoming India's first fully organic state in 2016.
India's food consumption practices are the most sustainable among major nations, and its efforts to reduce malnutrition through initiatives like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and POSHAN Abhiyaan align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) by improving food security and advancing sustainable agriculture.
India's food production is influenced by cultural values, a reliance on plant-based foods, and sustainable agricultural practices. Key steps in addressing the dual challenge of feeding a growing global population while addressing climate change include sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, advancing bioengineered and smart foods, and directing subsidies toward nature-positive practices.
In recent years, India has implemented several special measures to strengthen organic farming. This includes government schemes to promote organic inputs, certification systems for organic produce, financial incentives for farmers adopting organic methods, and initiatives to integrate traditional agricultural practices with sustainable modern techniques. Programs like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) aim to enhance organic farming clusters and improve market access for organic products. These efforts focus on reducing chemical inputs, improving soil health, and supporting ecological balance in agriculture.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published the Living Planet Report 2024, which emphasizes the importance of transforming food systems toward sustainability. The report highlights that food production consumes 40% of all habitable land, 70% of global freshwater, and contributes to over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. It also states that Argentina, Australia, and the USA have the least sustainable food practices.
If other countries adopt India's food practices, it would significantly reduce the strain on global resources. By 2050, less than one Earth would be needed to sustain food production if other countries follow India's practices.
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) advocates for healthier, sustainable diets through its Eat Right initiative, aiming to address the global issue of overweight and obesity affecting over 2.5 billion adults.
Global efforts must focus on improving consumption patterns, making food accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly. India's example demonstrates that economic development and sustainability can coexist, setting an inspiring example for other nations seeking to balance growth with environmental responsibility. The hidden costs of these impacts on the environment are estimated at USD 10-15 trillion, equivalent to 12% of the global GDP in 2020. Therefore, it is crucial for nations to collaborate and learn from each other to create a sustainable future for all.
