India, one of the world’s largest food grain producers, is set to tackle the significant challenge of food grain wastage caused by inadequate storage capacity. Currently, the country can store 1450 lakh tonnes of food grains, which is only 47% of the annual production. As a result, a substantial amount of grain is wasted, forcing many farmers to sell their produce at low prices. To combat this issue, the Indian government has launched a massive plan to enhance storage capacity and reduce food grain wastage.
Insufficient Storage Capacity Hinders Food Grain Preservation
The scale of food grain wastage in India is alarming, with approximately 21 million tonnes of food grains lacking proper storage arrangements. Every year, the amount of wheat that spoils is equivalent to the total production of Australia, which could feed around 30 crore people for an entire year. This highlights the urgent need for better storage facilities and preservation methods to prevent such wastage.
Learning from Successful Models in Other Countries
Countries like the United States, China, Brazil, and Russia have demonstrated better storage capacity for food grains. Despite labor shortages, the United States remains the largest agricultural producer globally, doubling its food production since World War II. China, on the other hand, leads in grain, vegetable, and fruit production, both for domestic consumption and as a major importer. These countries have implemented strong systems that involve training and collaboration with farmers to ensure optimal yields and minimize crop failure and grain spoilage.
The Role of FAO in Promoting Food Security and Reducing Waste
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations plays a crucial role in addressing food security issues worldwide. Since its establishment in 1945, FAO has been providing member countries with information on modern agricultural techniques, forestry, and fisheries. FAO promotes cooperation among nations and supports sustainable agriculture through legislation and national strategies. However, despite these efforts, food wastage remains a significant concern globally, accounting for 14% of the world’s food after harvest. FAO’s focus now lies on increasing production while minimizing waste to combat hunger effectively.
Addressing the Challenges of Grain Storage and Reducing Fruit and Vegetable Waste
India faces similar challenges in storing fruits and vegetables, leading to substantial wastage. Approximately 20-22% of vegetables and fruits, amounting to thousands of crores of rupees, are wasted each year due to a lack of cold storage and processing facilities. The Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) highlights that inadequate cold storage causes around 10 lakh tonnes of onions and 22 lakh tonnes of tomatoes to go to waste annually. It is hoped that along with tackling grain storage issues, solutions for fruits and vegetables will be implemented to minimize waste in the near future.
