A unique event in Delhi supported by the United Nations in India brought together a diverse group of Parliamentarians, representatives from diplomatic missions, the private sector,civil society and children to re-affirm their commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition in India.
While India is home to 18 percent of the worlds’ population, 25 percent of its people go hungry. The global Zero Hunger campaign launched by the UN Secretary-General, Ban ki Moon provides the country an opportunity to examine approaches to reducing the instance of hunger and malnutrition in the country.
At a sit-down tea in the capital city, children from the Nine is Mine campaign, an advocacy movement led by children, along with experts drew attention to the five pillars of the global Campaign which aims to ensure – (1) 100% access to food (2) Zero stunting of children (3) Sustainable food systems (4) 100% increase in smallholder productivity (5) Zero loss of food.
Speaking at the event, Peter Kenmore, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. and Representative of the Food and Agricultural Organisation in India said, “India’s efforts at reducing hunger including through the National Food Security Act should be applauded.” Through the innovative use of food, cartoons and performances, children from the NineIsMine campaign expressed their vision for a hunger-free India.
Talking about the link between malnutrition and hygiene in India, David Mcloughlin, Deputy Representative, UNICEF India said, “Almost half of all child deaths in India are due to malnutrition. Poor sanitation and hygiene worsen the situation making children more susceptible to disease resulting in stunting. Simple solutions like ensuring proper nutrition of the mother and new-born in the first 1,000 days and washing hands with soap after defecation, before preparing and eating are important steps towards creating a world with zero stunted children under two years.”
Linking the concept of a holistic, nutritious meal with India’s tri-coloured national flag, Deepak, Ankur, Suraj and Pooja, children of Nine is Mine demanded for the right for the ‘white’ that represents rice, wheat and corn, the orange that represents lentils, curries, milk and protein, the green that represents vegetables and fruits, and the blue that represents safe drinking water.
India has more stunted children than anywhere in the world. The country’s small-holder farmers, those owning less than two hectares of farmland, comprise 78 per cent of the country’s farmers, but own only 33 per cent of the total cultivated land. Further, nearly 30 per cent of the country's fruits and vegetables perish due to lack of cold-storage facilities.
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