India’s Sustainable Eating Habits: Insights from the WWF Study

The Living Planet Report 2024 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has highlighted India’s food consumption as the most sustainable among major nations. The report suggests that if other countries followed India’s food practices, it would significantly reduce the strain on global resources, with less than one Earth needed to sustain food production by 2050. In contrast, countries like Argentina, Australia, and the USA were found to have the least sustainable practices, underlining a pressing need to alter dietary habits worldwide to secure a sustainable future.

The Need for Sustainability in Food Consumption

Food production is one of the primary causes of environmental degradation, consuming 40% of all habitable land, 70% of global freshwater, and contributing to over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. WWF estimates the hidden cost of these impacts at USD 10–15 trillion, equating to 12% of the global GDP in 2020. This data emphasizes the importance of transforming food systems toward sustainability.

Learnings from India 

India’s food production and consumption are influenced by cultural values, a reliance on plant-based foods, and sustainable agricultural practices, reducing stress on land and water resources. As climate change, land degradation, and water pollution challenge global food security, India’s practices offer valuable insights.

1. National Millets Mission: This mission promotes traditional cereals like millets, known for their resilience and nutritional value. Increasing millet cultivation can improve food security while reducing environmental impacts due to their lower resource needs.

2. Locally Influenced Diets: India’s food habits, shaped by cultural traditions and available local produce, are generally healthier and more nutritious. WWF’s Solving the Great Food Puzzlereport highlights India’s move from chemical-based agriculture to traditional farming practices, rooted in indigenous knowledge, which supports local resilience and sustainability.

3. Predominantly Plant-Based Diets: India’s reliance on grains, legumes, and vegetables over animal-based foods significantly lowers environmental impact. Switching to a plant-based diet can reduce the annual carbon footprint of an individual by 1 tons for a vegan diet and 1.5 tons for vegetarians. 

4. Growing Organic Farming: Government initiatives, including the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development in the Northeast Region (MOVCDNER), have strengthened organic farming in India. Sikkim’s recognition as a fully organic state in 2016 exemplifies India’s leadership in promoting sustainable agriculture.

5. FSSAI’s Eat Right Initiative: India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advocates for healthier, sustainable diets through its Eat Right initiative. With over 2.5 billion adults globally classified as overweight and over 890 million living with obesity, adopting healthier diets globally could alleviate this rising public health issues.

6. Addressing Malnutrition: Despite vast challenges, India has made strides in reducing malnutrition through initiatives like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and POSHAN Abhiyaan. Tackling undernutrition aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) by improving food security and advancing sustainable agriculture.

The Way Forward

The dual challenge of providing food for a growing global population while addressing climate change requires cooperation across all nations. Sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, advancing bioengineered and smart foods, and directing subsidies toward nature-positive practices are key steps. Global efforts must focus on improving consumption patterns and making food accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

India’s example demonstrates that economic development and sustainability can coexist, setting an inspiring example for other nations seeking to balance growth with environmental responsibility.