Key highlights of Global food policy report 2024:

• It mentions that at least 38 per cent of the Indian population ate unhealthy foods, while only 28 per cent ate all five recommended food groups, which include at least one starchy staple food, one vegetable, one fruit, one pulse, nut or seed and one animal-source food.
• The consumption of such calorie-dense and nutrient-poor foods was not only high but was also increasing, while the consumption of vegetables and other micronutrient-rich foods was low.
• In India and other South Asian countries, consumption of processed foods is on the rise. After cereals and milk, snacks and prepared foods accounted for the majority of Indian food budgets.
• In India, the proportion of the population suffering from malnutrition increased from 15.4% in 2011 to 16.6% by 2021.
• The prevalence of overweight in adults increased from 12.9% in 2006 to 16.4% in 2016. 
• Similarly, the share of packaged (highly processed and calorie-dense) foods in household food budgets nearly doubled during this period, to 12 per cent from 6.5 per cent. 
• In the South Asian region, the report highlighted that micronutrient-rich foods were expensive, whereas cereals, fats and oils, sugar, and sugary and salty snacks were relatively inexpensive. 

Key facts about the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) 

• It was established in 1975 and provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.
• It is a research centre of CGIAR, which is the world’s largest agricultural innovation network.
• Its research focuses on five strategic research areas:
  • Fostering Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Food Supply
  • Promoting Healthy Diets and Nutrition for Al
  • Building Inclusive and Efficient Markets, Trade Systems, and Food Industry
  • Transforming Agricultural and Rural Economies
  • Strengthening Institutions and Governance
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C

Q1: What is Malnutrition?

It refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization. The double burden of malnutrition consists of both undernutrition and overweight and obesity, as well as diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

Source: 38% Indians consume fried snacks and processed foods, only 28% consume healthy food

Global Report on Food Crises Latest News

The Global Report on Food Crises 2025, released in May 2025, reveals that acute hunger has reached a new record high globally.

About Global Report on Food Crises

• The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) is an annual, consensus-based technical report coordinated by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) in support of the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC).
• It is produced through a partnership of key UN agencies (including FAO, WFP, UNICEF), the European Union, and other international organisations and NGOs.
• The GRFC provides in-depth analysis of acute food insecurity and malnutrition at global, regional, and country levels, identifying immediate and underlying drivers, and guiding humanitarian and development interventions.

Key Findings of the 2025 GRFC

• Record High Acute Hunger: In 2024, 295.3 million people in 53 countries faced acute food insecurity, up from 281.6 million in 2023. This marks the sixth consecutive annual increase and the highest level since reporting began.
• Crisis Severity: Nearly a quarter of the population in the assessed countries suffered from acute hunger, with 1.9 million people facing famine conditions (IPC/CH Phase 5)-more than double the previous year.
• Humanitarian Funding Crisis: Humanitarian allocations to food sectors could fall by up to 45% in 2025, threatening life-saving nutrition services for at least 14 million children and disrupting aid in major crisis zones.
• Children and Women: Over 37 million children under five in 26 countries suffered from acute malnutrition in 2024, with more than 10.2 million experiencing severe acute malnutrition.

Global Report on Food Crises FAQs

Q1. What is the Global Report on Food Crises report?

Ans. It is an annual report analyzing acute food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide.

Q2. What is the current food crisis in the world?

Ans. Over 295 million people in 53 countries face severe hunger, mainly due to conflict, climate disasters, and economic shocks.

Q3. Who releases the GRFC report?

Ans. The Food Security Information Network (FSIN) in support of the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) releases it.

Q4. What is the FAO report on food crisis?

Ans. The FAO contributes to the GRFC, which details global acute hunger, its drivers, and affected countries each year.

Source: NDTV