Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024

India has shown some improvement in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 ranking, yet the country still faces serious challenges in eradicating hunger and malnutrition.

India's Ranking and Key Statistics

• India ranked 105th out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2024.

• It falls under the "serious" category with a GHI score of 27.3.

• Although India improved from 111th in 2023, the change is not directly comparable due to data updates.

Four Key Indicators Contributing to India’s GHI Score:

1. 13.7% of the population is undernourished

2. 35.5% of children under five are stunted

3. 18.7% of children under five suffer from wasting

4. 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday

Global Context and Regional Comparisons

• The GHI report is published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.

• It ranks 127 countries using hunger-related indicators.

• South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are in the "moderate" category, performing better than India.

Global Hunger Highlights:

• Over 733 million people globally suffer from hunger daily.

• Nearly 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.

• Countries like Gaza, Sudan, and Syria are in the "alarming" category due to war and instability.

Challenges and Future Outlook

• Achieving Zero Hunger by 2030 under the UN's SDG goals appears unlikely.

• There's a growing gap between the right to food and actual food access in India.

India-Specific Concerns:

• GDP fell during COVID-19, impacting food availability.

• Though dietary energy supply rose, it was offset by distribution losses.

• Inequality in caloric intake remains high.

• Undernourishment increased between 2017–2019 and 2020–2022.

• A slight improvement is noted post-2022.

Government Schemes to Combat Hunger

India has implemented several initiatives to tackle hunger and malnutrition:

Major Programs Include:

• Mid-Day Meal Scheme – Improves nutrition and school attendance

• National Food Security Act, 2013 – Provides subsidized food grains

• Poshan Tracker – Monitors child and maternal nutrition

• PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana – Offered free food grains during COVID-19

• Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 – Targets child malnutrition

Key Recommendations from GHI 2024

The GHI 2024 report suggests the following:

• Strengthen accountability and enforce the right to food

• Promote gender-sensitive food and climate policies

• Invest in justice for gender, climate, and food security

• Direct public funds toward reducing inequality

Final Thoughts

India’s position in the Global Hunger Index 2024 highlights persistent challenges in tackling hunger and malnutrition. While the slight improvement in ranking is notable, the high rates of undernourishment, stunting, and child wasting remain alarming.

Government schemes like the Mid-Day Meal and Poshan 2.0 play a crucial role, but stronger implementation and accountability are needed.

Bridging the gap between food access and equity is essential. With 2024 nearing its end, India's push toward the Zero Hunger goal by 2030 must accelerate. A multi-sectoral approach involving nutrition, healthcare, and education can ensure long-term impact