By Sanjiv Kanwar

“We must bring in all our strengths and resources to make sure that every individual gets the right nutrition for a healthier future,” aptly stated by distinguished Indian scientist and statesman, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. This principle is more crucial than ever as India grapples with urgent nutritional challenges. The National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reveals a concerning dual burden: a staggering 35% of children are undernourished, while a growing number of people face issues like anaemia or obesity. Furthermore, over 80% of the Indian population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies, weakening immunity and increasing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
These challenges are complex and deeply intertwined with the very backbone of our food system – the marginal and small farmers. These essential producers grapple with land degradation, overuse of urea, and unsustainable groundwater levels – interconnected issues that jeopardize food security and exacerbate nutritional deficiencies. These pressures often force farmers to abandon agriculture for other livelihoods, further weakening the foundation of a healthy food supply. Meanwhile, the urban poor and migrant populations face their own set of obstacles, including contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, and food safety concerns, all of which contribute to child malnutrition. A multi-pronged approach is needed, prioritising sustainable farming practices to enhance crop productivity, and ensuring a reliable and nutritious food supply for all.

Enhancing agricultural practices with technology and sustainability

Achieving a truly sustainable and nutritious food system requires a multi-faceted approach, and at the forefront of this effort is the use of innovative technology in Indian agriculture. We stand on the brink of an exciting new era, one where technology and data-driven insights empower farmers with the latest technology products, to make informed decisions that boost both productivity and profitability. This translates to tangible benefits: higher productivity, and precision farming techniques that optimize water and fertilizer use, minimizing environmental impact while increasing yields. At the same time, digital platforms have the potential to connect farmers directly to consumers, ensuring fair prices and reducing food waste along the supply chain.

India is at a critical juncture where sustainable agriculture is not just an option, but a necessity to combat climate change and supply chain vulnerabilities. Regenerative agriculture offers a compelling path forward, focusing on practices that enhance soil health, boost biodiversity, and increase resource efficiency. By embracing these methods, we can build climate resilience, improve soil fertility, and create a more sustainable and equitable agricultural system. The comprehensive principles of regenerative agriculture – encompassing climate, soil health, resource management, biodiversity, and farmer prosperity – offer a holistic roadmap towards long-term resilience and food security for India.

Government initiatives like the PM POSHAN Scheme and the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) play a crucial role in improving access to better nutrition. The PM POSHAN Scheme focuses on enhancing children’s nutrition in schools, while the AAY provides food security to the most vulnerable populations, including over 2 crore women. These programs are essential for addressing immediate nutritional needs leading to significant advancements in both food security and agricultural sustainability. There is a need to strengthen it further through public-private partnerships to include innovative solutions from the values chain partners for improving the nutritional value of the food supplied through these schemes. 

Taking the Road to 2030: Overcoming Obstacles in the Agrifood System

As we look towards 2030, the path to sustainable agrifood systems is fraught with challenges. A rising population, rapid urbanization, macroeconomic instability, poverty, geopolitical tensions, and the escalating impacts of climate change – all place immense strain on our ability to feed a growing population. The United Nations Secretary-General’s warning that we are “tremendously off-track” in meeting Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to agrifood systems, underscores the urgency of the situation.

Addressing these challenges requires a fundamental shift in our approach. It’s not enough to simply focus on increasing crop yields; we must also prioritize maintaining the nutritional quality of our food. This is intricately linked to soil health, which can be supported through the use of micronutrients and specialty fertilizers. By enhancing soil fertility, we improve crop productivity and ensure a more sustainable food supply. India, with its vast agricultural potential, is well-positioned to make a significant impact on global food security. However, realizing this potential depends on aligning growth strategies with sustainability goals.

The road to 2030 demands a paradigm shift. We must move beyond simply increasing yields and embrace a holistic approach to food production – one that prioritizes environmental health, social equity, and economic resilience. This means empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools for sustainable crop management, investing in cutting-edge research and technologies, and fostering collaboration across sectors and stakeholders. The future of our food systems, and indeed the health of our planet, depends on our collective action today.