O’Connor wants global policy to create awareness among consumers
Proven technologies and practices of developed as well as developing countries should be brought forward so that the losses and wastage across the globe could be reduced using methods acceptable to the society, says Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Sushri Shobha Karandlaje
Noting that approximately 3 billion tonnes of food is wasted across the globe, she emphasised that the social organizations need to play a vital role in spreading awareness among various stakeholders and also should practice the methods to minimise food waste.
Inaugurated the International Workshop on Food Loss and Waste Prevention in South Asian Region in New Delhi on 30 Oct 2023, Karandlaje also pointed out that loss of food is not only a direct loss to the consumers but also has bearings on environment and supporting economies.
Noting that South Asia was a major producer as well as consumer of food, she said, “It is our moral responsibility as well as economic necessity to reduce the food loss and waste.”
The Minister called on stakeholders to identify the primary reasons of food loss and waste; raise education and awareness among all; build efficient harvest and storage and smart distribution management.
She called on the food industry to get involve in food process management from farms to forks; work on donation and food banks as well as innovation in food packaging.
Clementine O’Connor of United Nations Environment Programme, France, appraised about food losses and waste metrics and its effect on sustainability of agriculture and environment.
She pointed out that pandemic, climate change and wars also have serious bearing on food loss and waste. She emphasised for policy development to ensure learning and sharing of the best practices across the globe and to create awareness among consumers.
O’Connor reminded that only a few years are left to achieve the sustainable development of goal 12.3 to reduce the food losses to half by 2030.
The International Workshop on Food Loss and Waste Prevention in South Asian Region was organized jointly by The Indian Council of Agriculture Research and the Thünen Institute, Germany.
It was attended by 120 delegates from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, France, Germany, Indonesia, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Fiinews.com
