Policy Dialogue


Transforming the Agenda of a Fortification Legislation: National Program Case Studies and Lessons Learned from Bangladesh

 In 2013, in the midst of one of the worst phases of political turmoil, Bangladesh passed the ‘Vitamin A enriched Edible Oil Law’, to directly address  the issue of micronutrient malnutrition, popularly known as hidden hunger. It was the result of years of advocacy, firm political will and the relentless…


“The Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (Coalition) – A symphony after the Green Revolution” Prof M S Swaminathan, Patron and Emeritus Chair, Coalition

“The Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (Coalition) – A symphony after the Green Revolution” Prof M S Swaminathan, Patron and Emeritus Chair, Coalition An exclusive interview with Basanta Kumar Kar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) I never thought that I would get an opportunity to work under such a legend;…


Foregrounding ‘Community’ in Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition

The issue of widespread food insecurity amongst children in Africa and Asia has often been narrowed to the discourse on ‘severe acute malnutrition (SAM)’ in the last decade. Further, conflicting notions exist in relation to the root causes and solutions for SAM; ranging from the dominant view that it is…


Suggestions on Odisha State Food Security (TPDS) Rules,2017 share your ideas by 18th August 2017

Political will and effective policies are extremely important to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security for all. The Government of Odisha has requested for suggestions on its Draft Odisha State Food Security (TPDS) Rules,2017. Kindly read the document and share your suggestions/ideas by 18th August 2017. Your engagement would be highly…


Genesis and Growth of the Yield Revolution in Wheat in India: Lessons for Shaping our Agricultural Destiny

2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the commencement of a yield revolution in wheat in India, caused by a modification in plant architecture and physiological rhythm, through the introduction of the Norin dwarfing genes. This could be achieved with the help of Dr Norman E Borlaug, who supplied in 1963…


Global Grid of genetic gardens of biofortified crops – Prof. M.S Swaminathan

The 2016 Global Nutrition Report of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) indicates that one of the high priorities of humankind should be ending malnutrition, because of its multiple adverse impact on human health and quality of life. Children are the worst victims and it is now realized that…


K. R. Venugopal’s analysis on National Food Security Act 2013

The concept of food security that has evolved over the decades is represented by the formulation, as the FAO put it in 2002, that food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs…


Sustainable Food & Nutrition Security through Food Fortification by Pawan Kumar Agarwal

Food and nutrition insecurity is widespread in India. The Global Hunger Index has ranked India 97th out of 118 countries. An alarming70% of Indians do not consume enough vitamins and minerals and thus suffer from micronutrient deficiency. This “hidden hunger” is a serious health risk to all- across regions, socio-economic…


Policy change for elderly

“Leave no one behind ” says the UN Secretary General on launching of the SDG’s but the reality of the elderly in India is far from it. According to the Census of India in 2011 the numbers of elderly were 103 million and currently 108 million in 2015. According to…


Protecting Breastfeeding at the WHA69

In 2016, member states adopted a resolution calling for the elimination of inappropriate promotion of food for infants and young children. The Lancet’s Series on breastfeeding has shown risks of bacterial contamination when mothers are not able to sterilize bottles or boil water. The indiscriminate distribution of Breast milk substitute…