Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India: Causes and Solutions

GS II-Governance

Introduction

Food Loss and Waste (FLW) is a critical issue impacting food security, the environment, and economic sustainability. Globally, 30% of food production is lost or wasted, contributing to 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. In India, post-harvest losses amount to ₹1.53 trillion ($18.5 billion) annually, affecting both farmers’ incomes and national food security. Addressing FLW is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to hunger, sustainability, and climate action.

Key Causes of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India

1. Low Mechanisation in Agriculture

• Lack of modern harvesting machinery leads to excessive losses.
• Example: Only 10% of paddy farmers in Bihar use combine harvesters, compared to 97% in Punjab, leading to higher losses.

2. Inadequate Storage Infrastructure

• 10% of total food grain production is lost due to poor storage.
• Limited warehouse facilities force farmers to store food in open areas, leading to spoilage and pest attacks.

3. Poor Cold Chain Infrastructure

• India loses 49.9 million metric tons (MMT) of horticultural crops annually due to the lack of cold storage and refrigeration.
• Fruits and vegetables perish before reaching markets, reducing farmer income and availability.

4. Transportation and Supply Chain Inefficiencies

• Poor road connectivity and inadequate transportation facilities cause delays, leading to food deterioration.
• Lack of refrigerated transport leads to significant losses, especially in perishable commodities.

5. Outdated Packaging and Handling Practices

• Use of jute bags, mandated under the Jute Packaging Material Act (1987), leads to rodent attacks and pilferage in humid tropical climates.
• Poor handling at mandis and retail levels leads to additional damage.

6. Consumer and Retail-Level Wastage

• Poor inventory management in supermarkets and excessive purchasing habits by consumers contribute to FLW.
• Hotels and restaurants discard large quantities of edible food due to portion sizes and buffet culture.

7. Lack of Awareness and Policy Gaps

• Farmers lack knowledge about scientific storage methods and loss-reducing technologies.
• Policies on food donations, waste management, and redistribution remain fragmented.

Measures to Address Food Loss and Waste (FLW)

1. Upgrading Storage Infrastructure

• The government’s plan to add 70 MMT of new storage capacity in five years will help reduce food grain losses by 10%.
• Encouraging scientific storage methods like metal silos and climate-controlled warehouses.

2. Improving Cold Chain Infrastructure

• Expansion of cold storage facilities and refrigerated transport for perishable commodities.
• Promoting solar-powered cold storage in rural areas.

3. Promoting Green and Smart Technologies

• Solar dryers for reducing moisture in grains.
• Use of air-tight bags instead of traditional jute bags to prevent spoilage.

4. Enhancing Mechanisation

• Support for small farmers through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) to access modern machinery.
• Encouraging the use of combine harvesters, threshers, and moisture meters.

5. Strengthening Policy and Regulatory Framework

• Revisiting the Jute Packaging Material Act (1987) to allow alternatives like plastic-lined jute bags or airtight bags.
• Implementing strict food wastage laws for supermarkets and food service providers.

6. Encouraging Food Redistribution and Consumer Awareness

• Promoting food banks and donation programs to distribute surplus food.
• Public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on portion control and storage techniques.

7. Strengthening Supply Chain and Transportation

• Improving road connectivity to reduce transit delays.
• Subsidizing refrigerated trucks for perishable food transport.

Tackling Food Loss and Waste (FLW) requires technological, infrastructural, and policy interventions. By investing in modern storage systems, improving cold chain networks, and promoting mechanisation, India can reduce food wastage, enhance farmer income, and improve food security. Addressing FLW will also help India achieve its SDG goals, ensuring a sustainable and resilient food system for the future.