October 16 | World Food Day Every year on October 16, the world observes World Food Day to focus attention on one of humanity’s most basic needs: access to safe, nutritious and affordable food. The day commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations) in 1945. More importantly, it reminds governments, organisations and individuals that ending hunger is not simply about producing more food. It is about making sure that everyone can access the right food, at the right time, while protecting the resources needed to feed future generations. FROM ZERO HUNGER TO BETTER NUTRITION World Food Day is closely linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The world already produces enough food to nourish everyone. Yet, millions continue to go hungry, while billions cannot afford a healthy diet. Conflict, economic uncertainty and climate change are putting additional pressure on food and agricultural systems. The challenge, therefore, is not only how much food we produce, but how we produce, distribute and consume it. INNOVATION CAN CHANGE THE WAY WE EAT Innovation is helping transform food systems at every stage — from the farm to the consumer. It includes: Digital technology that gives farmers access to timely advice, weather information and markets. Improved seeds and biotechnology that can enhance productivity and resilience. Better farming practices that conserve soil, water and other natural resources. New models of finance, storage and distribution that can reduce losses and improve access. Cooperatives that connect producers to better opportunities. Traditional knowledge and local practices that offer valuable solutions for sustainable agriculture. Early-warning and risk-management systems that help communities prepare for climate and other crises. Innovation is not only about advanced technology. It is also about combining science with the experience and ingenuity of farmers, fishers, herders, foresters, women, youth, Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs and policymakers. Because transforming our food systems requires everyone to be part of the solution. INDIA: FROM FOOD SECURITY TO NUTRITIONAL SECURITY India’s food story is one of remarkable progress — but also a continuing challenge. From the food shortages of the 1960s, India has emerged as a major agricultural producer and exporter. In the 2024–25 agricultural year, food grain production reached a record 357.73 million metric tonnes (MMT). India is also among the world’s leading producers of milk, pulses, wheat and rice. Yet food availability alone does not guarantee good nutrition. Malnutrition continues to affect millions. Around 35.5% of children under five are affected by stunting, while anaemia remains widespread among women and children. At the same time, changing dietary habits and rising consumption of refined carbohydrates have contributed to growing concerns around obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle-related conditions. India therefore faces a new challenge: NOT JUST ENOUGH FOOD. THE RIGHT FOOD. The focus is gradually shifting from food security — ensuring that people have enough to eat — towards nutritional security, ensuring that people have access to diverse, safe and nutritious food that supports healthy lives. THE WAY FORWARD The future of food depends on building systems that are more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and innovative. We need to produce more efficiently, reduce losses, improve nutrition, make healthy food affordable and ensure that farmers and communities can withstand climate and economic shocks. World Food Day is therefore not just a day to think about hunger. It is a call to rethink the entire journey of food — from soil to plate, from production to consumption, and from today’s needs to tomorrow’s possibilities.