FOOD WASTAGE:
India faces a significant problem with food wastage, with estimates suggesting around 74 million tonnes of food are wasted annually.
This amounts to approximately 22% of the country's foodgrain output and represents a substantial economic loss.
Households are the primary contributors, accounting for 61% of the total waste, followed by food service sectors and retail outlets.
Household Contribution:
Households contribute the largest share of food waste, accounting for about 61% of the total. An average of 55 kg of food waste is generated per capita annually by households, according to WRI India.
Economic Impact:
The financial loss due to food waste in India is estimated at approximately ₹92,000 crores per year.
Environmental Impact:
Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane, through decomposition in landfills.
Hunger Paradox:
Despite significant food waste, India also faces widespread hunger, with millions of people suffering from malnutrition.
Food Service Sector:
The food service sector, including restaurants and hotels, also contributes significantly to food waste.
Retail Outlets:
Retail outlets, such as supermarkets and grocery stores, also contribute to food waste, often due to unsold goods.
Solutions:
Reducing food waste requires a multi-pronged approach, including educating consumers, promoting better meal planning, improving storage and transportation methods, and addressing the issue of hunger and poverty.
How to reduce food wastage in our house.
- Cooking 10-15% less than the actual quantity required.
- Limiting the number of items.
- Prior information before cooking about not eating.
- No one should eat outside.
- No buying of outside food.
- No snacks before eating.
- No storing of food in fridge.
- All members to eat together.
- All should eat all items equally.
- No carry over for tomorrow.
- Disposing excess food to the needy on the same day.
- Any other method that you would recommend.
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