The climate talks at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, may have ended, but the reality for many countries, especially India, remains dire. India is grappling with extreme climate challenges, from scorching heatwaves to devastating floods. This year, an early and intense heatwave affected large parts of the country, while Punjab, known as India’s “food bowl,” faced unprecedented flooding that submerged farmland and destroyed crops.
The situation is further complicated by a recent UN report. It reveals that India is one of the largest emitters of methane globally, with agriculture playing a significant role in this crisis. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, with 86 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over 20 years. Food waste exacerbates this problem by decaying in landfills and releasing even more methane into the atmosphere.
India finds itself in a troubling cycle: excessive food waste contributes to climate change, and climate change makes food harder to grow. Current statistics tell a chilling story. Indian households throw away an average of 55 kg of food each year, leading to a national loss of 78.2 million tonnes—valued at ₹92,000 crores. This waste is more than an environmental issue; it signals a systemic failure in food distribution.
“Addressing food waste is essential; it not only helps improve food security but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.” – Expert Opinion
According to a report, about 30-40% of food produced in India is wasted at various stages: from farms to markets to consumers. For example, 16% of fruits and vegetables may spoil before reaching the market due to a lack of cold storage facilities.
The repercussions are real. Despite being self-sufficient in terms of production, India ranks 105th out of 127 in the 2024 Global Hunger Index. Millions lack access to safe, nutritious food. Policies like the National Food Security Act are designed to tackle hunger but often ignore perishable items like fruits and vegetables, which are vital for nutrition.
To break this cycle, India needs a comprehensive approach to reduce food waste. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has guidelines for food donation, but fear of legal repercussions often hinders businesses from participating. Creating a “Good Samaritan Law” could encourage more donations while protecting those involved.
Moreover, upgrading supply chains is crucial. Investment in infrastructure, including cold storage and transportation, will curb waste and bolster farmers’ incomes, benefiting both the economy and the environment.
It’s also important to enforce waste management rules, compelling businesses to segregate organic waste. Initiatives like SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) could create a market for biogas produced from organic waste, as seen in Indore’s Bio-CNG project.
Solving food waste is not just about managing waste; it’s a fundamental necessity for climate resilience and food security. The path forward requires changes at every level—from our farms to our homes—ensuring we feed people instead of landfills.
