The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has unveiled a new platform to help accelerate the global reduction in food loss and waste.

Try this PYQ from CSP 2016:

Q. The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapers, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities.
3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

About the Platform

• The Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste brings together information on measurement, reduction, policies, alliances, actions and examples of successful models applied to reduce food loss and waste across the globe.
• The platform will contain information on measurement, reduction policies, alliances, actions and examples of successful models applied to reduce food loss and waste.
• The platform will be officially launched on the first International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on 29 September 2020.

How will it work?

• The platform is as a gateway to information on food loss and waste from various resources, including the largest online collection of data on what food is lost and wasted.
• Links to related portals from development partners are also provided.

Why need such a portal?

• Food loss and waste is a sign of food systems in distress. Nutritious foods are the most perishable, and hence, the most vulnerable to lose.
• Not only food is being lost, but food safety and nutrition are being compromised as well.
• At least 14 per cent of food is lost (food wastage and food loss together), valued at $400 billion annually.
• In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, the food that is lost is associated with around 1.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
• Major losses are seen in roots tubers and oil-bearing crops (25 per cent), fruits and vegetables (22 per cent), and meat and animal products (12 per cent).
• Reducing food loss and waste can bring about many benefits: more food available for the most vulnerable; a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; less pressure on land and water resources; and increased productivity and economic growth.

Food loss vs food wastage

• There is a difference between food wastage and food losses.
• Food is wasted when it is discarded by consumers or is disposed of in retail due to its inability to meet quality standards.
• Food loss, on the other hand, occurs when it is spoilt or spilt before reaching the final product or retail stage.
• For example, dairy, meat, and fish can go bad in transit because of inadequate refrigerated transport and cold storage facilities.

Back2Basics: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

Objective: Lead international efforts to defeat hunger

Members: FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union

Headquarters: Rome, Italy

Year Founded: Established in 1945

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now