Food losses, food security, and climate change: Navigating the triple threat

Abstract

Food losses and food waste are challenges to global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. An intricate relationship exists between the food system and the environment, highlighting how unsustainable practices in food production contribute to resource depletion and environmental degradation. Despite India's status as a major agricultural producer,
substantial post-harvest losses undermine food security and economic stability. Food loss and waste exacerbate these issues, leading to inefficient resource use and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of food loss statistics, examines its implications for food and nutritional security and its environmental impact and deals with some of the actionable strategies to mitigate food losses and waste through infrastructure improvements, institutional support, policy reforms, community engagement, and market linkages, aimed at enhancing food system efficiency and sustainability.