Understanding India's Multi-pronged Zero Hunger Approach
While the term 'Zero Hunger Program' is often used, it refers not to a single, monolithic scheme but to India's comprehensive effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2): End hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition by 2030. The Indian government established a dedicated Zero Hunger Program (ZHP) in 2017, in collaboration with esteemed research institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This was done to develop a national framework focusing on health, nutrition, and agricultural enhancement. This ZHP forms a core pillar, supported by a network of other significant government initiatives.
The Zero Hunger Program (ZHP) 2017
Launched on World Food Day (October 16, 2017), the specific Zero Hunger Program aimed to create a more integrated and scientific approach to food and nutrition security. It focused on key areas:
- Reducing malnutrition: Specifically targeting child stunting among children two years and younger.
- Food system stability: Working to create resilient and stable food systems that ensure year-round food access for all citizens.
- Empowering small farmers: Focusing on smallholder farmers, especially those who are landless, to increase productivity and income.
- Agricultural innovations: Promoting new technologies and practices, such as installing genetic gardens for bio-fortified plants, particularly in areas with water scarcity.
- Eliminating food waste: Addressing issues throughout the food supply chain to reduce waste.
Major Government Schemes Supporting Zero Hunger
The 2017 ZHP operates in tandem with a broader suite of social welfare programs. These schemes work collectively to create a strong safety net and address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition.
- National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: This landmark legislation represents a paradigm shift from a welfare-based approach to a rights-based one for food security. It provides subsidized food grains to up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population.
- PM POshan SHAkti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Yojana: Formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, this program provides hot, cooked, nutritious meals to school children from Balvatikas (pre-school) to Class VIII in government-aided schools.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Launched in 2018, this program focuses specifically on improving nutrition for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It aims to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight.
- Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS): This reformed PDS provides essential commodities like food grains to eligible households below the poverty line at subsidized prices.
A Comparison of Core Indian Food Security Schemes
| Feature | National Food Security Act (NFSA) | PM POSHAN Yojana | POSHAN Abhiyaan | Targeted PDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Guaranteeing subsidized foodgrains as a legal right | Providing hot, cooked meals to school children | Reducing malnutrition across vulnerable groups | Providing subsidized foodgrains via ration shops |
| Targeted Beneficiaries | Approximately two-thirds of the total population (AAY and Priority Households) | School-going children up to Class VIII | Children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers | Eligible BPL and AAY households |
| Main Intervention | Subsidized foodgrains (rice, wheat, coarse grains) | Nutritious meals in schools | Integrated health and nutrition interventions | Distribution of foodgrains and other commodities |
| Funding | Central Government sets prices, states subsidize | Funded by the Ministry of Education | Central and state government contributions | Central and state government contributions |
Challenges in Achieving Zero Hunger
Despite robust policies, India faces significant hurdles in meeting its zero hunger targets. A 2024 Global Hunger Index report ranked India at 105 out of 127 countries, indicating slow progress despite marginal improvements. Key challenges include:
- Implementation Gaps: Lack of proper infrastructure, funding, and inadequate monitoring can weaken scheme effectiveness.
- Awareness and Access: Many vulnerable people, especially in rural areas, face issues with market access, extension services, and lack awareness of schemes.
- Persistent Malnutrition: Low-income women and children often fail to access and consume sufficient fortified food, partly due to issues in the supply chain.
- Food Price Volatility: Global and domestic factors can lead to price fluctuations, impacting food security for the poor.
Conclusion
India's push for zero hunger is a complex and ongoing journey, leveraging both dedicated initiatives like the 2017 ZHP and a vast network of supplementary schemes. The framework rightly focuses on health, agriculture, and nutrition, but effective implementation remains crucial for tangible progress. The collective efforts, from ensuring food grains reach households via the NFSA to providing school meals through PM POSHAN, demonstrate a commitment to combating hunger. However, addressing systemic challenges in distribution and awareness is critical to achieving the ambitious goal of zero hunger and improving the overall health and well-being of the population. For further information on the global context of the Zero Hunger goal, you can refer to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2.
