India’s Zero Hunger Programme was launched on the occasion of World Food Day (October 16) in the year 2017 to focus on nutrition, health and agriculture. It is initiated by a joint collaboration of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), MS Swaminathan Research Foundation and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). This programme has come into the limelight as it has received the Nobel Peace Prize 2020.

Zero Hunger Programme Significance

• “Zero Hunger” Goal is mentioned as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
• 90 million children in the world under the age of 5 are underweight.
• 690 million people go to bed on empty stomach each night.
• Acute food insecurity has affected 135 million people in 55 countries in 2019.
• In the year 2017, Asia accounted for 63% of world hunger and 22% of children under the age of 5 are stunted (low height for age).
• Around 821 million people in the world are undernourished as a result of Climate change effects such as environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and drought.
• In Africa and South America regions, severe food insecurity and undernourishment are on a rise and needs to be addressed.
• Thus, UN Zero Hunger aim is to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture by the year 2030.
• In order to achieve the goals, the focus should be on increasing access to safe, nutritious food to poor persons, women, children and old people all year round.

Zero Hunger Programme Details

• Zero Hunger Programme aims at farm interventions by organizing farming system for nutrition, providing zero hunger training and setting up biofortified plants genetic gardens.
• The genetic garden contains germplasms of biofortified crops attained through plant breeding. These gardens act as a house for crops and plants that can act as supplements of micronutrient deficiencies like iron, zinc, iodine etc.
• Initially, the programme was launched in 3 districts namely Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Koraput in Odisha and Thane in Maharashtra.
• The main objective of the programme is to make these selected districts as “models” in dealing with hunger and malnutrition issues through the adoption of agricultural and horticultural practices.
• Zero Hunger Programme is in consonance with India’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 (End Hunger) by 2030.

Challenges in Combating Hunger specific to India

• As per the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18, 40 million children are chronically malnourished and half of the Indian women aged 15-49 years are anaemic.
• Climate Change poses a great threat to “agrobiodiversity”, which can impact the entire value chain of food systems right from the productivity of food crops to livelihoods of farmers.
• Excessive use of chemicals and unsustainable farming practices has resulted in soil degradation, depletion of groundwater table and loss of agrobiodiversity.
• 86% of Indian farmers own less than 2 hectares of land contributing to 60% food grain production and over half fruits and vegetables of the country.

Ending Hunger and Malnutrition

• Sustainable and climate compatible food systems and agricultural practices such as diversification of production are needed to generate food security and nutrition.
• To end rural poverty, the income of small scale producers needs to be doubled. This will automatically improve well being of people and can also generate rural employment.
• A lot of food starting from production, storage and transport get wasted. Thus, we need to take care of this problem by empowering consumer choice and also by producers, retailers commitments to reduce food wastage.
• Policymakers should address poverty and inequality issues of the global population by addressing shocks and stresses that lead to hunger.
• Different forms of hunger like undernutrition, obesity, wasting, stunting and hidden hunger cause severe damage to individuals and society.
• Thus, to end hunger and malnutrition in the society, multisectoral approach with inclusion of water, education, sanitation, agriculture, nutrition etc should be undertaken by governments, civil societies and market forces.

FAQs

MCQs

1. When was India's Zero Hunger Programme launched?

A) January 26, 2015
B) October 16, 2017
C) August 15, 2016
D) November 14, 2018

2. Which of the following is NOT an objective of the Zero Hunger Programme?

A) Zero stunted children under two years
B) 100% access to adequate food year-round
C) Doubling farmers' income by 2022
D) Promoting sustainable food systems

3. Which organizations collaborated to launch the Zero Hunger Programme?

A) ICAR, ICMR, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, and BIRAC
B) NITI Aayog, Ministry of Health, and WHO
C) FAO, UNICEF, and Ministry of Agriculture
D) NABARD, Ministry of Rural Development, and World Bank

4. Which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) does the Zero Hunger Programme align with?

A) SDG 1: No Poverty
B) SDG 2: Zero Hunger
C) SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
D) SDG 4: Quality Education

5. What is the focus of the Zero Hunger Programme?

A) Industrial development
B) Urban infrastructure
C) Agriculture, nutrition, and health
D) Information technology

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of India's Zero Hunger Programme in addressing malnutrition and food security.

Answer: India's Zero Hunger Programme is a pivotal initiative aimed at eradicating hunger and malnutrition by integrating agriculture, nutrition, and health interventions. By focusing on model districts, the programme seeks to create replicable frameworks for sustainable food systems, thereby enhancing food security and improving nutritional outcomes across the nation.

Q2: Analyze the challenges faced by the Zero Hunger Programme in achieving its objectives.

Answer: The programme faces challenges such as climate change impacting agricultural productivity, logistical issues in implementing nutritional schemes, and limited access to healthcare in rural areas. Addressing these issues requires a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure effective delivery of resources and services.

Q3: Evaluate how the Zero Hunger Programme aligns with India's broader goals of sustainable development.

Answer: The Zero Hunger Programme aligns with India's sustainable development goals by addressing food security, reducing malnutrition, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating efforts across health, agriculture, and nutrition sectors, the programme contributes to improving the well-being of vulnerable populations and fostering resilient food systems, in line with SDG 2 of achieving zero hunger.

Previous Year Questions on the Zero Hunger Programme

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following is a key focus area of India's Zero Hunger Programme?

A) Urban development
B) Agricultural productivity and nutrition
C) Infrastructure expansion
D) Information technology integration

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Zero Hunger Programme focuses on improving agricultural productivity, nutrition, and health interventions to address hunger and malnutrition.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "Evaluate the role of initiatives like the Zero Hunger Programme in achieving Sustainable Development Goals in India."

Answer: Initiatives like the Zero Hunger Programme play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing hunger and malnutrition through integrated approaches. The programme aligns with SDG 2, focusing on food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. By involving key stakeholders and creating model districts, it provides a replicable framework for combating malnutrition and enhancing agricultural productivity, contributing to India's broader sustainable development objectives.