Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future
Food is the third most basic human need, after air and water, and everyone should have the right to adequate food. The world produces enough food to feed more than the global population, yet hunger persists. Every year, the World Food Day is observed on October 16. The day was chosen to coincide with the founding day of the Food and Agricultural Organisation. Around one-quarter of the world’s labour force works in agriculture; it is more than 50% in India. India ranks second worldwide in farm outputs. Transforming agrifood systems and making them resilient is essential. As an individual, one must be reminded to eat mindfully and respect the available food.
Food is not just something that one eats to satisfy hunger or taste. It is a gift from God.
Ancient Indian Scriptures
Food is the third most basic human need, after air and water, and everyone should have the right to adequate food. The right to food is one of the human rights. The world produces enough food to feed more than the global population, yet hunger persists (10% of worldwide). Continued internal conflicts leading countries like Chad continually rank among the hungriest countries in the world.
Every year, the World Food Day is observed on October 16. It was established in 1979 to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The day was chosen to coincide with the founding day of FAO. Many organisations concerned with hunger and food security, like the World Food Programme (WFP), the WHO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, join the observation of World Food Day. It is heartening to note that WFP received the Nobel Prize in Peace for 2020. It is the recognition of its efforts, amongst others, to combat hunger and stop the use of hunger as a weapon during war and conflict. It aims to bring awareness about hunger and actions to be taken for the future of this planet and its people. FAO celebrates people helping to realise the right to food by honouring them as #FoodHeroes.
Around one-quarter of the world’s labour force work in agriculture. India ranks second worldwide in farm outputs. In India, agriculture employs more than 50% and contributes ~20% to the country’s GDP. 98% of the farms in the world are family farms, and many of them cannot produce the variety of crops needed for survival. Agrifood systems are vulnerable to disasters, crises, and climate change. They also contribute to environmental and biodiversity loss. Transforming agrifood systems and making them resilient is essential. Â
It is now more than ever. To end hunger and respect the human right to food.
As an individual, it is essential to be reminded to eat mindfully and respect the available food. Many in the world are struggling to get it and remain hungry.
Toons: Advika
Logs: Sai Baba
ToonLogs
