The 16th day of October is celebrated as ‘World Food Day’. This day was designated by the United Nations in 1945, in view of commemorating the date of founding the ‘Food and Agriculture Organization’ of the United Nations. Raising awareness on concerns regarding ‘food and agriculture’ was the purpose of the day.   

The day was first observed in 1981 and has been celebrated since then by several organizations that are concerned with hunger and food security, in more than 150 countries of the world. ‘Feeding the world, eliminating poverty, caring for the earth, growing, nourishing and sustaining life’, and the like, have been the core commitment of these organizations.   

In line with the priority of the organization that is being commemorated, ‘agriculture’ is the driving force in the economies of developing countries in particular. But, unfortunately, there has been very little investment in this vital sector. Besides, recent decades have witnessed a slackening of enthusiasm in this regard, too. 

Over the years, the ‘World Food Day’ has considered several themes. A few of them are -- ‘food comes first, food and nutrition, fighting hunger and malnutrition, water for all, trees for life, food for all, food security, right to food, food and human culture and sustainable systems of food. ‘Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow’ is the theme of this year, as well.  

The celebration has a large spectrum of concerns by way of objectives. A few of them are -- ‘encouraging agricultural production, stimulating national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts, promoting economic and technical cooperation among developing countries and cheering up participation of the rural and the least privileged categories’. 

Besides, awareness of the problem of hunger requires being heightened. Technologies have to be transferred to the developing world. National and international solidarity in the struggle against hunger, poverty and malnutrition has to be strengthened. The products of agricultural development have to be shared with one and all, too. 

Well, it doesn’t need a mention that food is the most basic need of the humans, like other living beings. The corona times, I believe, have been a special occasion for developing an appreciation for having enough food. The pandemic period, I am sure, has also been moments to think of those who had to go without food, off and on, for dire want of it.       

As food is the essence of life, so too, food is the bedrock of our cultures and communities. Food industry is the biggest of the kind in the world. Having access to safe and nutritious food is and will continue to be the essential part of the human endeavour. It is all the more so for the poor and vulnerable communities, who are hit hard by the economic shocks as well as shortage.

‘World Food day’ is a valuable chance to recognize the key role of ‘farmers and workers’, who are the heroes of the food system, worldwide. The most miserable plight of the farmers in India, who have been on the roads fighting for their rights nearly for a year, is a major case in point for the insensitive treatment they are measured out to, by those who enjoy the fruit of their labour, tragically so. ‘When will good sense prevail’ is the question. 

For human beings, unlike animals, food is not merely a means for survival, but is a social act. Sharing food with others is a great gesture of hospitality and having food together is a proof of fellowship with them. When food and drink becomes a way to socialization, the humans acquire a ‘humane’ culture. In other words, food has to make social beings out of the humans. 

At this juncture, it is good to remember how the modern culture of development has made human beings waste food heartlessly in restaurants and homes. Having a huge number of people in India and elsewhere either having no food or less food as well as fighting with dogs to collect a loaf of bread from the dustbin is the other side of the story. This is a major blot on human rights, dignity, ethics, responsible behaviour and governance, terribly so.   

The food heroes who engage with agriculture require being appreciated and supported. Wasting food has to be stopped with immediate effect. A humane culture of sharing food with others, the hungry in special, has to be strengthened, all the more. It is high time the humans committed themselves to living ethical values for sustainable food habits in life. The ‘World Food Day’ is a golden opportunity to awaken the ‘human conscience’ to that effect.   

The sacred occasion of ‘World Food Day’ is a great opportunity, for citizens of India and the world over, to engage seriously in producing food items in all possible ways and recognize gratefully those who make food products available to us. It is also a time to commit ourselves anew to sharing food with one another as divinely motivated human beings and to ensuring the right to food to one and all. May the good day arrive soon, when all human and other beings will be having enough food to eat and the earth will be a welfare state, at least to the minimum!             
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The author is Director, Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, New Delhi