India has highest number of undernourished people globally: UN
New Delhi: India has the highest number of undernourished people globally, totaling 194.6 million (19.5 crore), the ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ report revealed.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this report was prepared by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with four other UN agencies, including UNICEF.
Undernourishment, as defined by the FAO, occurs when an individual’s habitual food intake is insufficient to meet the dietary energy requirements necessary for a normal, active life. The prevalence of undernourishment serves as a key indicator of hunger.
The report also indicates that over half of the Indian population (55.6pc) cannot afford a healthy diet, the highest percentage in South Asia, affecting 790 million (79 crore) people. While many Indians consume enough food to meet daily energy needs, affording a nutritious diet is still a major challenge.
