World Food Day 2025

World Food Day 2025, observed on 16 October, is a significant occasion that draws global attention to the challenges of food security, nutrition awareness, and sustainable agriculture.

The theme for this year, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, emphasises global collaboration for sustainable food systems in 2025 and calls on nations to work together to combat global hunger and transform food systems for a healthier future.

Significance of World Food Day 2025

World Food Day 2025 commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address food security, promote sustainable agriculture practices for food security, and ensure equitable food distribution worldwide. Over 150 countries participate in this annual observance, engaging in food literacy programmes on World Food Day 2025 and activities aimed at eradicating hunger and malnutrition.

Understanding the significance of World Food Day 2025 is crucial for SSC aspirants, as it highlights India’s and the world’s ongoing strategies to ensure access to nutritious food and promote healthy food festivals and food sovereignty movements globally.

India’s Progress in Food Production

India has made remarkable strides in agriculture and food production.

Over the last decade:

• India leads globally in milk and millet production.

• It ranks second in fish, fruit, and vegetable output.

• Honey and egg production has doubled since 2014.

• Agricultural exports have nearly doubled in 11 years, reflecting enhanced productivity and diversification.

These achievements demonstrate India’s active role in global food security initiatives and its commitment to addressing nutrition and food literacy challenges, especially on World Food Day 2025.

Key Government Schemes for Food Security in India

India’s food security framework combines production and distribution, supported by key government programmes:

1. National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) – Originally the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), launched in 2007-08, it now integrates nutrition goals, boosting production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals while improving soil health and farmer incomes.

2. National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 – Provides subsidised food grains to over 78 crore beneficiaries, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana families.

3. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) – Ensures free food distribution to vulnerable groups, extended till 2028.

4. PM POSHAN Scheme – Provides nutritious midday meals in schools, enhancing children’s health and attendance.

These initiatives reflect India’s public distribution system reforms and efforts to strengthen food security programmes in India, highlighting achievements that are often discussed during World Food Day 2025 observances.

Rice Fortification and Nutrition Enhancement

• To combat micronutrient deficiencies, India introduced rice fortification programmes in India for better nutrition in 2019.

• Fortified rice kernels are enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.

• By March 2024, all rice under central schemes was fortified, with universal distribution planned until 2028.

• This step promotes nutrition awareness and ensures healthier diets for vulnerable populations. Initiatives like these are a core focus on World Food Day 2025.

Modernisation of Public Distribution System

• India’s SMART-PDS initiative digitises procurement, supply chain management, ration card operations, and biometric distribution.

• The Mera Ration 2.0 app provides real-time beneficiary data.

• Nearly all ration cards are Aadhaar-seeded, and the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme ensures portability nationwide.

• These reforms enhance transparency and efficiency, reflecting India’s commitment to sustainable food systems by 2025, which are highlighted on World Food Day 2025.

Market Measures and Pulses Self-Reliance

• The Open Market Sales Scheme (Domestic) stabilises prices and ensures availability of staples.

• Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice provide subsidised wheat flour and rice to consumers.

• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31) aims to increase pulse production, support two crore farmers, and enhance nutritional security.

These programmes strengthen India’s food policy and move the country toward self-reliance in agriculture, key topics discussed during World Food Day 2025.

Global Recognition and Sustainable Diets

World Food India 2025 showcased India as a global food hub, with participation from over 90 countries. The Indian Thali diet, rich in plant-based foods, has been recognised for its low environmental impact and nutritional benefits, illustrating sustainable agriculture practices for food security.

Celebrating World Food Day 2025 through local events across India reinforces the importance of community-driven food security initiatives in 2025 and promotes food literacy programmes among citizens.

Final Thoughts

World Food Day 2025 is not just an observance; it is a global call to action. India’s efforts, from public distribution system modernisation in India 2025 to rice fortification in India, demonstrate the nation’s commitment to combat hunger and malnutrition.

For SSC aspirants, knowing about these initiatives, global collaborations, and sustainable practices is crucial for current affairs preparation, especially in sections covering food security, agriculture, and nutrition awareness.

By understanding the significance, government initiatives, and global efforts related to World Food Day 2025, students can better appreciate India’s role in promoting sustainable food systems and nutrition awareness for a healthier future.