Food Wastage In India

Throwing away food is like stealing from the table of those who are poor and hungry.

According to Economics Times report, 194 millions Indians sleep hungry daily. These are terrifying statistics which causes the major problem of food wastage in India. The most important components for human survival are air, water and food. Three of them are either polluted or wasted in some or the other way. Food is a major requirement for survival, growth and development of the body. It is being squandered by the existing population. It should be noted that India is the world's second largest country in terms of population. A population of 121 crore (2011 census) with 22% living below poverty line. Whether in garbage bins or in landfills, the food is wasted and thrown carelessly.

The population explosion highlights the problem of unavailability of land for food production and future development plans. At present, the food wastage is a serious issue. The food is wasted during harvesting, processing, packaging, consuming. Poor infrastructural and storage facilities lead to food degradation and wastage. The FAO (Food and agriculture Organisation) figured out the wastage of about 40% of food grains worth around $8.3 billion. India has a larger proportion of young and productive population. What will be the future of the country whose young population is growing undernourished? The world bank issued a research paper stating that 60% of country's food subsides and help do not reach to the poor. It is maltreated by the middlemen. The government is at fault for this wastage. 57,676 tons of food grains are stored in the warehouses as per the reports of The New Indian Express.

The amount of food wasted can actually light the stove of thousands of people living in poverty. Being a responsible citizen of India, we are at fault too.

The big fat Indian weddings have the same problem of food wastage. People spend money on weddings whilea lot of food gets wasted.

In India, food is compared to God called as ‘Ann devta’. In a way, we are disrespecting Gods by wasting food. Approximately, one-fifth of food is wasted ignoring the fact that many children suffer from malnutrition. Women and young infants are dying due to lack of food and adequate nutrition. The scale is going high day by day. A hindi proverb says- Danne daane par likha hai khaane waale ka naam. Despite reaching to the poor and needy ones, it is being wasted. Food wastage is not only the concern of the Government but a common concern for all.

Please don't waste food, live simply, So that others may simply live.