Introduction

• The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report 2025 was jointly released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and World Health Organization (WHO). This flagship annual report monitors progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition.
• The 2025 edition sheds light on the current challenges faced globally and regionally in ensuring food security and adequate nutrition, especially in the wake of climate change, economic shocks, conflicts, and lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Global Highlights of SOFI 2025

India’s Position and Insights

India remains a country of contrasts when it comes to food security. On one hand, it has achieved self-sufficiency in food production; on the other hand, malnutrition, hunger, and food inequality persist across states and socio-economic classes.

India-Specific Observations in SOFI 2025

1. Undernourishment: India has seen a marginal decline in undernourishment but still accounts for a significant portion of South Asia's food-insecure population.
2. Stunting and Wasting: Around 31.4% of children under five are stunted, while 17.3% suffer from wasting, which remains one of the highest globally.
3. Affordability of Healthy Diets: An estimated 71% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet daily, as per FAO metrics.
4. Gender Gap: Women and girls, especially in rural and tribal regions, face higher levels of food insecurity and undernutrition.
5. Urban Food Insecurity: The rise in food inflation, unemployment, and urban poverty has worsened access to nutrition in Indian cities.

Core Reasons for Food Insecurity in India

• Climate change: Frequent droughts, floods, and heatwaves have disrupted agriculture.
• Income inequality: Poor purchasing power and high food prices affect the poor's ability to access nutrition.
• Poor diet diversity: Excess reliance on rice and wheat with low intake of proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
• Disruption in supply chains: During the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic inflation, supply chain issues hampered food access.

Government Interventions and Initiatives

Despite these programs, gaps in implementation, leakages, and underfunding hamper desired results.

Recommendations for India from SOFI 2025

• Scale up Nutrition-sensitive Agriculture: Encourage diversification of crops beyond rice and wheat.
• Social Protection Expansion: Ensure cash and food transfers reach the most vulnerable groups, especially women and migrants.
• Strengthen Food Fortification: Mandatory fortification of staples like rice, wheat, and salt can improve micronutrient intake.
• Improve Public Distribution System (PDS): Digitize, monitor, and decentralize PDS for transparency and reach.
• Urban Nutrition Strategy: Tailored programs for urban poor and slum dwellers should be framed.