By Faridat Salifu
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has called on India to accelerate diversification in food production to improve access to healthy diets.
FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero Cullen said India must move away from a heavy focus on cereals and invest more in high-value commodities.
He pointed to pulses as a viable option, noting that they are both nutritious and protein-rich.
According to FAO estimates, about 40.4 percent of India’s population roughly 60 crore people cannot afford a healthy meal.
The figure marks a sharp decline from the 74.1 percent recorded in 2021, when nearly three-fourths of the population lacked access to affordable healthy diets.
Dr. Cullen said the shift shows progress but stressed that further reforms in agricultural production are needed.
He argued that increasing the share of high-value crops in India’s food system would strengthen nutrition security.
The FAO said diversifying production will also help farmers adapt to market changes and climate challenges.
