Introduction

World Food Day, observed annually on 16 October, is a global occasion dedicated to raising awareness about food security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring that every person has access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food. Food is the foundation of life, vital for health, growth, and well-being, and despite global advances in food production, millions still face hunger and malnutrition, highlighting the need for effective policies, resilient food systems, and collaborative action.

World Food Day marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. It was formally observed for the first time in 1981 with the theme "Food Comes First," and the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the day in 1984. The collective action observed across 150 countries worldwide makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days on the UN calendar, promoting awareness of hunger and action for the future of food, people, and the planet. The theme for 2025, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, emphasizes global cooperation across governments, organizations, communities, and sectors to transform agrifood systems.

Building a Nourished and Sustainable Nation

India, home to a large share of the world’s population, has made significant progress in addressing hunger and strengthening food security through a range of programmes and policies aimed at reducing malnutrition, alleviating poverty, and promoting agricultural sustainability. In line with this year’s World Food Day theme, the country’s ongoing efforts play a crucial role in improving millions of lives and ensuring that nutritious food reaches every household.

India’s diverse food security framework includes both national schemes and local initiatives that support low-income families, children, and the elderly. Over the last decade, India has recorded a rise of about 90 million metric tonnes in foodgrain production while fruit and vegetable output has increased by more than 64 million metric tonnes. India now ranks first globally in milk and millets production and is the second-largest fish, fruit and vegetable producer in the world.Honey and egg production have also doubled compared to 2014. The country has also made its mark globally as India’s agricultural exports have nearly doubled over the past 11 years. 

Key Government Initiatives Ensuring Food and Nutritional Security

Recognising the central role of food and agriculture in national development, the government has implemented several initiatives to ensure the availability of quality food for all, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers. These government welfare schemes reflect India’s continued commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition effectively. Food security is ensuring that all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Achieving this requires not only adequate production of food but also its equitable distribution.

National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

To strengthen production, the Government launched the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 2007–08. Its objectives were to increase the production of rice, wheat and pulses through area expansion and productivity enhancement,restoring soil fertility and productivity, creating employment opportunities andenhancing farm level economy. In 2014–15, NFSM was expanded to include coarse cereals, continuing its focus on productivity, soil health, and farmer income. In 2024–25, it was renamed the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM), with a dual emphasis on food production and nutrition.

National Food Security Act (NFSA)

The Act covers up to 75 percent of the rural and 50 percent of the urban population, totaling 81.35 crore people as per Census 2011, under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority households. AAY families receive 35 kg of foodgrains per month, while priority households get 5 kg per person per month. Currently, about 78.90 crore beneficiaries are covered under the Act.

While NFSM/NFSNM ensures higher foodgrain production for the Central Pool, the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 guarantees their equitable distribution. Together, NFSM/NFSNM and NFSA form the backbone of India’s food security framework, one driving production, the other ensuring distribution, thereby combining productivity gains with inclusive growth, sustainability, and nutritional security.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched with the specific purpose of ameliorating the hardships faced by the poor and needy due to economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. The core function of PMGKAY is to distribute foodgrains free of cost to the households already identified and covered by the NFSA. The scheme was operational in seven phases. Phase VII of the PMGKAY was in operation up to 31.12.2022.

The Central Government, in order to remove the financial burden of the poor beneficiaries and to ensure nationwide uniformity and effective implementation of the programme for support of the poor, had decided to provide food grains free of cost to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH) beneficiaries, beginning from 1st January 2023 under the PMGKAY. The period for distribution of free of cost foodgrains has been extended for five years from 1st January, 2024, with an estimated financial outlay of Rs. 11.80 lakh crore totally to be borne by Central Government.

PM POSHAN (POshan SHAkti Nirman) Scheme

• The PM POSHAN (POshan SHAkti Nirman) Scheme is a crucial national initiative designed to enhance education and combat hunger by improving the nutritional status of children in Government and Government-aided schools, thereby encouraging regular attendance among disadvantaged students. Under this scheme, one nutritious hot cooked mid-day meal is provided to all primary students up to age of 14 years. By ensuring mid-day meals that meet nutritional standards, it supports better health, enhances school attendance, and improves learning outcomes among children, while also promoting social equity and community participation.
• Allocation from DFPD for FY 24-25: 22.96 LMT of Rice & Wheat. 

Rice Fortification in India

Ensuring food security and improving micronutrient intake for its people has always been a priority of the Government of India. The Department of Food & Public Distribution is committed to the cause and is putting efforts into improving the overall nutrition scenario.

• One of the key interventions initiated by the department includes the Rice Fortification Initiative

• Fortification of staples with essential micronutrients has been one of the globally recognized, safe, cost-effective, and evidence-based intervention that is a complementary strategy to reduce the burden of micronutrient deficiencies.
• Since rice is a staple to about 65% of India’s population, the Government of India launched a pilot program on Rice Fortification in 2019. On the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day in 2021, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the provision of fortified rice by 2024 to the poorest and most vulnerable sections of the population through the government’s food-based schemes in a phased manner.
• Fortified rice is made by blending extruded Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) with rice in the ratio of 1% by weight. These FRK contain rice flour and three major micronutrients, namely Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12, they resemble milled rice in size, shape, and color and have the same aroma, taste, and texture as normal rice.
• The decision to implement rice fortification in India went through a complete project lifecycle involving piloting, standardizing, creating the required ecosystem, implementing, and then scaling up. 
• The scheme was scaled up in a phased manner. Phase I (2021-22) covered ICDS and PM POSHAN Scheme, and Phase II (2022-23) covered ICDS, PM POSHAN, and TPDS in 269 aspirational and high-burden districts on stunting. Phase III (2023-24) further included the rest of the districts under TPDS.
• By March 2024, 100% of the rice supplied under all the central government schemes like PMGKAY, ICDS, PM-POSHAN, etc. in all states/UTs has been fortified.
• Recently the Cabinet has approved to continue the universal supply of fortified rice under all central government schemes until December 2028, with 100% funding (Rs 17,082 Cr) by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY.

Modernisation and Technology-Driven Reforms in the Public Distribution System

• The Government of India has modernised the Public Distribution System through SMART-PDS (Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System). India is set to launch the SMART-PDS initiative, in phases by December 2025, which aims to strengthen the technological backbone of PDS and bring transformative change by focusing on four key modules:

1.Food grains procurement

2.Supply chain management and allocation of grains

3.Ration card and Fair Price Shop management

4.Biometric-based grain distribution Module (e-KYC).

• Mera Ration 2.0: To enhance transparency and convenience for beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) launched the Mera Ration 2.0 mobile application on 20 August 2024. The upgraded app provides real-time information to beneficiaries on their entitlements, withdrawal details, and the location of the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS), along with a suite of new value-added features for a seamless, user-friendly experience. More than 1 crore downloads have already been recorded.

Government has undertaken multiple other interventions to enhance Public Distribution System (PDS) reforms: -

• Digitization: Ration cards and the beneficiaries’ database have been fully (100%) digitized across all States and Union Territories (UTs).
• Transparency & Grievance Redressal: A transparency portal, online grievance redressal facility, and toll-free number have been implemented nationwide.
• Online Allocation & Supply Chain Management: Online allocation has been implemented in all States/UTs, except the UTs of Chandigarh, Puducherry, and urban areas of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, which have adopted DBT Direct Benefit cash transfer schemes. On the other hand, the Supply chain management has been computerized in 31 States/UTs.
• Aadhaar Seeding: Approximately 99.9% of ration cards are seeded with Aadhaar numbers at the national level.
• Automation of Fair Price Shops (FPS): Almost all FPSs are now equipped with ePoS devices, enabling biometric/Aadhaar-based authentication for electronic and transparent distribution of foodgrains under NFSA.
• One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC): This initiative allows beneficiaries to access PDS benefits anywhere in the country, ensuring portability and convenience.
• Helpline number 1967/1800-State series number is operational in all the States/ UTs for contacting and redressal of the complaints in Public Distribution System and filing any type of complaints by the intended beneficiaries. As and when complaints, including corruption and embezzlement in the PDS, are received in this Department from any source, they are sent to State/ UT Governments concerned for inquiry and appropriate action.

Open Market Sales Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)]

Surplus food grains (Wheat & Rice) are sold through the Open Market Sales Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)] to increase market availability, control inflation, and ensure affordability for the general public.

This helps to:

• Increase availability of foodgrains in the market
• Control inflation by stabilizing prices
• Ensure food security
• Make foodgrains more affordable for the general population

In addition, Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice were launched to provide wheat flour and rice to general consumers at subsidized rates under the Open Market Sale Scheme Domestic (OMSS-D) policy.

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Prime Minister launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–26 to 2030–31) with a budgetary allocation of ₹11,440 crore on October 11, 2025. The Pulses Mission aims to boost domestic pulse production to enhance nutritional security and self-reliance, benefiting nearly two crore pulse farmers by increasing the area under cultivation by 35 lakh hectares.

World Food India 2025: Showcasing India's Global Food Leadership

World Food India 2025, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in September 2025, was a flagship event aimed to position India as a “Global Food Hub” by fostering international partnerships and showcasing the nation's strengths in food processing, sustainability, and innovation. With participation from over 90 countries and more than 2,000 exhibitors, the event underscored India's role in enhancing global food security through collaborative efforts and technological advancements. 

Indian Thali in Global Spotlight

The Indian Thali has gained global recognition recently with the WWF Living Planet Report acknowledging it for its remarkable contribution to nutrition and sustainability. The traditional Indian diet, largely plant-based, is centered around grains, pulses, lentils, and vegetables, which significantly reduce the use of natural resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal-based diets. The report highlights that if the global population adopted India’s consumption patterns, we would only require 0.84 of an Earth by 2050 to sustain global food production. This recognition places India at the forefront of sustainable food practices, showing how local traditions can help tackle environmental challenges while promoting health for all.

Conclusion

World Food Day 2025 reminds us of the critical importance of ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all. The theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” underscores the need for global cooperation and collective action to tackle hunger and malnutrition. India’s initiatives to address these challenges reflect the nation’s commitment to food security and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Through comprehensive programmes aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening food distribution, and supporting vulnerable populations, India is making significant progress towards eradicating hunger. On this day, these efforts highlight the country’s dedication to building resilient food systems and offer a positive example for the global fight against hunger.

References

Food and Agriculture Organization

https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/about/en

Department of Food and Public Distribution

https://nfsa.gov.in/portal/nfsa-act

Ministry of Education

https://pmposhan.education.gov.in/Union%20Budgetary.html

Lok Sabha

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AU4410_Jc3GA9.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU3624_K90Fbi.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AS242_Qrobv3.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AU4518_ge2pFO.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AU2844_3rLPAM.pdf?source=pqals

MyScheme Portal

https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pm-poshan

Government of Haryana

https://haryanafood.gov.in/rice-fortification/

PIB Press Release

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153283&ModuleId=3

https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2025/aug/doc202588602801.pdf

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=155126&NoteId=155126&ModuleId=3

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177772

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=151969&ModuleId=3

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2159013

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2170508

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