Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve this situation.

While India grew at 6.9% (fastest major economy) and 2nd largest food producer globally, still scales 103/187 in Global Hunger Index 2024. To explain responsible for this paradox: i Food system based in favour of cereals like wheat & rice which lack nutrition. ii Public distribution system inefficient -> Under inclusion - co rave centre, low more people can be added. -> Rice & wheat based PDS, lacking rules, millets etc.

-> leakage in PDS C 26% wastage. iii Changing food practices - with urban lifestyle. c - nutrition less package food desn - and away food grain. iv lack of public awareness on healthy diet c - low market demand for millets. v Undernourishing mother - leading to stunted (81 y.l.) , wasted (18%) children c - S7Y. women are anemic (NFHS-5). Steps to improve this situation: i Use maids day meal to get nutri-ous food. c - Biscuits millet in Chattisgarh, eggs in West Bengal etc.

iii Enhance attack of POSHAN 2.0. iv Change PDS composition, include millets like sage, bajger etc. v Incentivise farming to grow millets - fruits etc. vi Public awareness campaigns c - eat right by FSSAI. vii Promote brecast feeding for children c - Mothers ultimate affection. viii Steps taken: ix leakage in PDS - c 26 %. wastage. This only a nutched population can help us achieve SDG1 & SDG2 as well as Demographic dividend.