The All India Radio Newsonair's AIR Spotlight is a daily program that brings together distinguished panelists to discuss significant topics. These discussions are highly beneficial for those preparing for the IAS exam . Today's article delves into a special interview with Bishow Parajuli.
The Panelists:
- Bishow Parajuli, the Representative and Country Director to India from the World Food Programme
- Dr. Atul Kumar Kulkarni, Correspondent for AIR
The Discussion Theme:
The conversation revolves around Bishow Parajuli's insights into the World Food Programme and its initiatives.
India’s Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan:
- India has proposed to provide Afghanistan with 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat.
- This aid will be transported to Afghanistan through a land route via Pakistan.
- The World Food Program (WFP) has facilitated the negotiations between India and Afghanistan.
- This initiative is crucial considering the current severe food crisis in Afghanistan.
- The WFP has applauded India’s aid and stated that it sets the stage for future humanitarian efforts.
About the World Food Program (WFP):
- The World Food Programme, established in 1961, is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations. Its headquarters are located in Rome.
- The WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization focused on addressing hunger and food security and is the leading provider of school meals.
To learn more about – World Food Program
The Role of the World Food Program in Aid Distribution:
- India will dispatch its first consignment of 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the Kandahar province.
- The WFP, with its logistical capabilities in Afghanistan, will collect and distribute the aid throughout the country.
- The WFP plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the aid reaches those most in need.
The Global Food Insecurity Crisis:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the number of people facing food insecurity and hunger to double, from 130 million to 270 million.
- Approximately 800 million people worldwide are experiencing food shortages.
- Other key contributors to the escalating levels of global hunger and food insecurity include climate change, war and conflicts, increasing prices, and job losses.
The Current Situation in Afghanistan:
- The WFP needs about US$2.6 billion to expand its capacity to provide food aid to approximately 8.7 million starving Afghans.
- Afghanistan, due to the pandemic, economic collapse, and the impacts of years of conflict, is experiencing a severe food crisis.
- Approximately 24 million people are facing acute food insecurity.
- Over 97% of the population is at risk of falling below the poverty line.
Why India Chose to Collaborate with the WFP:
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The WFP adheres to humanitarian principles while distributing aid, such as:
- Ensuring aid reaches the needy
- Non-discrimination
- Non-interference
- Guaranteeing full accessibility
- The WFP is recognized worldwide for its credibility, transparency, and accountability in aid distribution.
- Moreover, the WFP's extensive network of staff, partnerships with civil society organizations, and logistical capabilities aid in efficient aid delivery.
The Evolution of the Agreement:
- India proposed humanitarian aid to the Taliban government in October 2021.
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The delivery was primarily delayed due to:
- A surge in coronavirus cases that triggered a third wave of the pandemic.
- Delays in negotiating the transit deal with Pakistan, which had ceased all trade with India following India's decisions on Article 370.
- Subsequently, India signed a partnership agreement with the WFP for the distribution of aid.
The Collaboration between India and the WFP:
- The WFP has been operating in India since 1963. Since India achieved self-sufficiency in cereal production, the WFP's work has shifted from food distribution to technical assistance.
- India has been a global model in maintaining food security during the pandemic through various schemes, including older ones like Mid-day meals, the Public distribution system, and the Integrated child development program.
- In line with its principles of “Vasudeva Kutumbakam” and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”, India has partnered with the WFP to supply aid to countries like Yemen and Afghanistan.
The Potential for India-WFP Collaboration:
- The collaboration of the WFP and India has enormous potential for South-South cooperation, particularly within the Indian neighbourhood and the SAARC region.
- India's strides in improving food and nutrition security, food safety net programs, and agricultural promotions offer immense opportunities for this collaboration.
- Despite the country's various measures, malnutrition levels in India remain high.
- India ranks 101 out of 117 nations in the Global Hunger Index 2021.
- These factors underscore the importance and need for a partnership with the WFP.
Millet Production in India:
- The year 2022-23 was recently declared as the International Year of Millets.
- Millets, often referred to as “superfood”, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients compared to cereals.
- Millets are also more resilient to climate change.
- The WFP has conducted a study on the best practices of millet production, promotion, and policies in Odisha and has signed an agreement with the NITI Aayog for its promotion.
- The WFP is actively involved in promoting millet production in Odisha and Rajasthan.
Find more Gist of AIR Spotlight here .
