According to a United Nations report, about 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted worldwide in 2022. Today, this figure is likely to be even higher. In India alone, around 8.7 lakh tonnes of food are wasted every year. In many cities, piles of leftover food can be seen on the streets, which finally goes to waste.
On one hand, many people go to bed hungry. On the other, tonnes of food are thrown away daily. Hotels and restaurants waste large quantities of food, and the amount wasted at weddings is especially high. This raises a simple question: can this food not be saved? People must take responsibility. Clear boards should be displayed in hotels and public places saying, “Do not waste food.” Strict legal action should be taken against those who waste food in large quantities.
India’s population is growing, while available land for food production is slowly shrinking due to various reasons. This means food shortages could become severe in the future. Reports also say that nearly 30 per cent of cooked food goes directly to waste. By region, food waste stands at 23 per cent in North America, 13 per cent in Europe, 14 per cent in Asia, 6 per cent in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 10 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Every year, October 16 is observed as World Food Day to spread awareness about saving food. State and central governments must take stronger steps to reduce food waste. Above all, we must remember that saving food is everyone’s responsibility.
