Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
COVID-19: A threat to food security
The economic disruption caused by pandemic & the lockdown is still unfolding (IMF has already declared global recession). Supply chains are disrupted – especially the ones related to food. If not cooperated at global level, this could lead to shortage of food for millions
Do You Know?
Currently 113 million people experience acute hunger in the world
One in every 9 people in the world is undernourished.
Goal 2 of SDGs seeks to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030
Has the pandemic led to food insecurity?
No, as of now the countries have sufficient stocks to deal with food needs of people
However, there has been anecdotal reports of crowded supermarket sieges from some parts of the world
What can be the future problems associated with global food security?
Labour shortages may impact the harvest of upcoming produce leading to shortages
Shortage of fertilizers, veterinary medicines and other input could also affect agricultural production.
Closures of restaurants diminishes the demand for fresh produce and fisheries products, impacting small & marginal farmers that has long term consequences on Urban areas
Food processing sector will face difficulties due to shortage of working capital and workers
Countries adopt restrictive trade measures to safeguard their own national food security
Restricted trade practices will lead serious disruptions in the world food market resulting in increased price volatility & price hikes.
Low-income food-deficit countries will be the worst hit in cased of restrictive global food markets, thus precipitating humanitarian crisis (hunger deaths)
Way forward:
Avoid restrictive trade practices by National governments
Transparency: Information on prices, production, consumption and stocks of food should be made available to all in real time.
Ensuring global markets function normally as it is needed for smoothening supply and demand shocks across countries and regions.
Proactive role by international organisations like FAO to contain unwarranted panic behaviour in global food markets.
Conclusion
Any disruptions to food supply chains will intensify both human suffering and the challenge of reducing hunger around the world
Globally coordinated and coherent response is thus needed to prevent this public health crisis from triggering a food crisis in future
