On the occasion of World Food Day, the Ind Food & Beverage Association (IFBA) unveiled a detailed report titled “Call to Action Report – For Reducing Food Wastage.” The report was presented by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It highlights the critical issue of food wastage in India, providing insights into the problem’s scope, the effectiveness of current policies, and the need for systemic interventions.
The report aligns with this year’s World Food Day theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” focusing on the right to accessible, nutritious, and sustainable food. IFBA’s report emphasizes the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders—consumers, food businesses, and policymakers—to mitigate food wastage and strengthen food security.
Key insights from the report suggest that despite some progress, India still faces significant challenges in pre-harvest supply chains due to issues like poor infrastructure, climate unpredictability, and limited access to quality inputs. To tackle these challenges, the report recommends policy reforms, technological innovations, and increased public awareness.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between government, private sector, and agricultural communities to reduce food loss and improve supply chain resilience. Deepak Jolly, Chairperson of IFBA, stressed the moral and economic importance of reducing food wastage and called for a roadmap driven by data and collaboration across industries.
The report proposes key recommendations, including adopting standard metrics for food waste measurement, integrating circular economy principles into food systems, and implementing supply chain reforms to reduce loss hotspots. These measures could not only enhance food security but also contribute to sustainable economic growth.