Sustainable Development
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Good morning everyone. Today, I’ll be presenting on Sustainable
Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. This goal is one of the 17
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and its mission is to
end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote
sustainable agriculture by 2030.
When we say Zero Hunger, it doesn’t only mean ensuring people have
food. It also means making sure the food is safe, nutritious, and
available all year round. It also focuses on how we grow our food — in
ways that are sustainable, meaning that they don’t harm our
environment, soil, or water [Link] K. (24BEC1459) ,
Pariksith S.S. (24BEC1454) , Adithya K. (24BEC1304), Charukesh J.
(24BEC1451), Saravanan (24BEC) Haresh Adithya G (24BEC1563)
Hunger and Food Security in India
Before we dive into the targets, let’s understand some key words.
• Hunger is the painful or uncomfortable feeling caused when a person does not get enough food.
In India, over 200 million people are undernourished.
• Food security means that all people should have physical, social, and economic access to enough
safe and nutritious food to live a healthy life.
Unfortunately, India still ranks low in the Global Hunger Index, which shows we
have a long way to go in achieving this goal.
India’s challenge: Over 200 million undernourished, low Global Hunger Index ranking.
Target 2.1: End Hunger
The first target, 2.1, says that by 2030, we must end hunger and ensure everyone,
especially the poor and vulnerable — including infants — has access to safe, nutritious,
and sufficient food all year round.
In India, hunger is not just about quantity of food, but also quality. Many poor families can
fill their stomachs with rice or wheat, but they may not get enough proteins, vitamins, or
minerals.
The government has programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid-Day
Meal Scheme to provide food grains and meals to vulnerable groups. However, issues
like corruption and distribution gaps still need to be fixed.
1 2 3
National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 PMGKAY NMSA
Free food grains for 81 crore people during Promotes climate-resilient agriculture in rainfed areas.
Subsidised food grains to 81 crore beneficiaries COVID-19, extended till 2028.
(75% rural, 50% urban).
Case Study: NFSA covers ~2/3 of India’s population, distributing rice, wheat, and coarse grains through over 5 lakh fair price shops, ensuring wide access.
Target 2.2: End All Forms of Malnutrition
The second target, 2.2, focuses on ending all forms of malnutrition.
Malnutrition means when the body does not get the right amount of nutrients. This can be due to not eating
enough food, or eating too much unhealthy food. There are two common forms:
• Stunting: when children are too short for their age, due to long-term poor nutrition.
• Wasting: when children are too thin for their height, due to recent severe weight loss.
In India, around 35% of children under 5 are stunted. Malnutrition also affects pregnant women, adolescent girls, and elderly people.
POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018) Mid-Day Meal Scheme (1995)
Focuses on first 1,000 days of a child’s life, uses mobile apps for real-time Tackles hunger and dropout rates by giving free cooked meals to schoolchildren.
monitoring by Anganwadi workers.
Case Study: In Rajasthan & Karnataka, Mid-Day Meals boosted enrollment (75% teachers reported higher enrollment) and attendance (85% teachers reported imp
Target 2.3: Double Agricultural Productivity
Target 2.3 aims to double the productivity and incomes of small-scale food
producers, especially women farmers, indigenous people, and family
farmers.
In India, about 80% of farmers are small or marginal farmers who own less
than 2 hectares of land. Increasing their productivity means giving them
better access to land, seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, financial services, and
markets.
For example, PM-Kisan scheme provides direct income support to
farmers, and agricultural cooperatives help farmers sell their produce at
better prices.
RKVY PMKSY PMFBY (2016)
Funds projects for agri-infrastructure Expands irrigation (“per drop more crop”). Crop insurance using satellite data
and technology. and tech for fast claims.
Target 2.4: Sustainable Agriculture
Target 2.4 says that by 2030, we must ensure sustainable food production and resilient agricultural practices.
What does this mean? It means farming in a way that increases production, but also protects
the environment, soil, and biodiversity. It also means helping farmers adapt to climate
change, droughts, and floods.
In India, climate change is already affecting agriculture — irregular monsoons, rising
temperatures, and water scarcity threaten crop yields. Practices like organic farming, crop
diversification, and water-saving techniques like drip irrigation are examples of sustainable
agriculture.
NMSA
Focus on soil health, efficient water use, integrated farming.
Case Study: In Odisha’s Keonjhar district, a farmer practiced Integrated Aqua Horticulture, growing papaya on pond dikes and intercropping vegetables, earning ₹38,000 locally.
Target 2.5: Genetic Diversity
Target 2.5 is about maintaining the genetic diversity of seeds, plants, and farm animals.
Why is this important? Because diversity protects us from risks. If we depend only on one type of crop, and it fails due to pests
or climate, we face food shortages.
In India, seed banks like the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources preserve thousands of seed varieties. Similarly,
indigenous cattle breeds and local crops need to be protected to ensure resilience.
Target 2.a: Investment in Agriculture
Target 2.a focuses on increasing investment in agriculture, especially in developing countries like India.
This includes building rural infrastructure such as roads and storage facilities, funding agricultural
research, and developing new technologies. For example, research institutions like ICAR develop
high-yield crop varieties. Better storage facilities can also reduce food wastage — in India, almost
40% of food produced is wasted before it reaches consumers due to poor infrastructure.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
Enable farmers to access credit, technology, and markets collectively.
Case Study: In Uttar Pradesh and J&K, FPOs set up wholesale counters, input outlets, and sustained vegetable sales even during droughts.
Targets 2.b & 2.c: Trade and Food Price Stability
Target 2.b is about correcting trade restrictions in global
agricultural markets. Often, export bans and subsidies distort
the market, making it hard for farmers in poor countries to
compete.
Target 2.c is about ensuring food markets work properly and
that countries have access to reliable information about food
stocks and prices.
For India, this means balancing exports and imports, ensuring
fair pricing for farmers, and using technology like digital
platforms to monitor food supply chains.
Operation Greens (2018) Price Stabilisation Fund (2014-15)
Stabilises prices of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes through Builds buffer stocks of pulses, onions, etc., to control inflation and
storage and supply chain management. prevent hoarding.
Conclusion: The Road to Zero Hunger
To conclude, SDG Goal 2 is not just about filling stomachs — it’s about nutrition, equality, sustainability, and resilience.
Government Farmers
Policies and schemes like PDS, Mid- Adopting sustainable and resilient
Day Meals, Poshan Abhiyaan, and practices.
PM-Kisan.
Citizens Scientists
Supporting local produce, reducing Innovating for better seeds,
food waste, and spreading storage, and climate adaptation.
awareness.
India has made progress, but challenges like child malnutrition, small farmer distress, and climate change remain.
Achieving Zero Hunger by 2030 requires combined efforts from all. Together, we can ensure a nourished, resilient,
and sustainable future.
