The Editorial 09 Nov, 2022 - India’s G20 presidency and food security

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
09 Nov, 2022

Theme : Bilateral, regional and global grouping and agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests.

GS - 2

TABLE OF CONTENT

  1. Context
  2. G-20
  3. Present Global Issues
  4. Matera Declaration
  5. Steps taken by India Towards Food Security
  6. Post-Independence steps by India towards agriculture
  7. UN Food Systems Summit(held by the G20): Five identified action tracks
  8. What steps need to be taken?
  9. Road Ahead

Context : After Indonesia, India will assume the presidency of G20 from December 2022.Global and regional food security have been deliberated upon as one of the priority agendas of the G20.

G20:

  • The G20 is an informal group of 19 countries and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

  • The G20 Presidency rotates annually: according to a system that ensures a regional balance over time.

  • For the selection of the presidency: 19 countries are divided into 5 groups, each having no more than 4 countries.

    • The presidency rotates between each group.

  • Every year the G20 selects a country from another group to be president.

    • India is in Group 2 which also has Russia, South Africa, and Turkey.

  • The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or Headquarters.

Present global issues:

  • Growing conflicts
  • Climate crises marked by droughts, floods, cyclones etc
  • Economic downturns

 Matera Declaration, 2021 by G20:

  • Keys to end hunger: G20 ministers recognised that poverty alleviation, food security, and sustainable food systems are key to ending hunger.
  • It reflects the Indian concern: for the welfare of small & medium farmers, promoting local food cultures and recognising agri-diversity.
  • Emphasized on keeping international food trade open: Strengthening global, regional, and local diversified value chains for safe, fresh, and nutritious food.
  • One health approach: Promoting a science-based holistic One Health approach.

Steps taken by India towards food security:

  • National Food Security Act, 2013
  • Mid-day meal scheme
  • Integrated Child Development Services

Post-Independence steps by India towards agriculture:

  • Policy measures
  • Land reforms
  • Public investments
  • Institutional infrastructure
  • New regulatory systems
  • Intervention in agri-markets and prices
  • Agri-research and extension

UN Food Systems Summit(held by the G20): Five identified action tracks:

  • Safe and nutritious food: Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all
  • Sustainable consumption: Shift to sustainable consumption patterns
  • Production: Boost nature-positive production
  • Livelihood: Advance equitable livelihoods
  • Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks, and stress.

What steps need to be taken?

  • Investment: Greater investment in agriculture
  • Food safety net for the poor and vulnerable
  • Farming: New ways of farming
  • Diversified livelihoods

Road Ahead 

  • Opportunity for India:Share its successful journey in moving from a food-deficit nation to a food-surplus nation
  • Food security: Address the growing challenges of food security for creating resilient and equitable food systems.
  • Mechanism of purchases of cereals from farmers: Government was able to provide a swift and resilient response to the COVID-19 pandemic, avoid supply chain disruption and economic shock.
  • Sustainable Development Goals by 2030: There is an opportunity to fast-track the processes and commitments that were started through the pioneering UN Food Systems Summit for global food systems transformation.

FAQs : 

1. What is G-20 ?

Answer : The G20 is an informal group of 19 countries and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.The G20 Presidency rotates annually : according to a system that ensures a regional balance over time.

2. Who will assume the Presidency of G-20 from December 2022 ?

Answer : India will assume the Presidency of G20 from December 2022.