India’s Food Security System Has Set An Example For World, Says WFP Representative Bishow Parajuli

Bhubaneswar: India has emerged as an example in the world in ensuring food security to its people, said said Bishow Parajuli, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) representative and Country Director to India.

Delivering the 18th Foundation Day Lecture at KIIT Deemed to be University, here on Wednesday, Parajuli said India has made tremendous progress in the field of food security during the last 50 years and has become a food surplus country from a food-dependent country.

Along with food production, conducive policy, science & technology, efficient supply chain and market have contributed to India’s progress, he said highlighting National Food Security Act, Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid Day Meal schemes.

Stating that production of food is not equal to the availability of food, he said, “Around 811 million people do not have enough to eat, while 270 million suffer from acute hunger despite plenty of food production.”

On climate change, he said sustainable system of farming has become as important as increasing food production. Higher education institutions of excellence like KIIT and KISS have a great role to play in ensuring that Green Revolution 2.0 is able to meet the challenges of climate change, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT & KISS said the two community-based institutions are contributing to most of the objectives of sustainable development goals. Apart from quality academics and research, KIIT has been significantly contributing to the field of art, culture, sports, social development and spiritualism, he added.

“KIIT has developed an ecosystem to absorb different cultures of the world. It attracts students from about 65 countries, while its graduates are working in 70 countries. KIIT culture equips students to become global citizens”, said Prof Sasmita Samanta, vice-chancellor, KIIT-DU in her address.

On the occasion Dr Samanta and Parajuli also signed a Letter of Intent between the KISS Deemed to be University and WFP India in the presence of Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, VC, KISS-DU and other dignitaries from WFP India, KISS and KISS.