Why in the news?

  • India and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations commemorated 80 years of partnership.

Food and Agriculture Organization

  • What is it?:
    • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations founded in 1945 with headquarters in Rome, Italy. 
    • Its primary mission is to achieve global food security, ensuring that all people have regular access to high-quality, nutritious food for a healthy life.
  • Key Functions:
    • Data and Knowledge: Collects and disseminates global agricultural statistics and information through platforms like FAOSTAT and the FAO Data Lab.
    • Standard Setting: Develops international standards for food safety, quality, and agricultural trade (e.g., Codex Alimentarius with WHO).
    • Technical Assistance: Provides expert support and training to countries via country-level projects.
    • Policy Coordination: Assists governments in formulating agricultural, food, and nutrition policies.
    • Emergency Response: Supports nations in responding to food crises, conflicts, and climate shocks.
  • Funding of FAO:
    • Assessed Contributions: Paid by member states (based on economic capacity).
    • Voluntary Contributions: From member states, organizations, and partners for specific projects.
  • Major Publications:
    • The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) – Tracks global progress on hunger and nutrition.​
    • The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) – Provides analysis of agricultural and rural trends.​
    • OECD–FAO Agricultural Outlook (2025–2034) – Offers 10-year projections for agricultural markets and policies.
  • FAO and India:
    • India is a founding member of FAO (joined 1945).
    • In 2025, FAO and India celebrated 80 years of partnership, reaffirming collaboration on World Food Day around the theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”.​
    • Key projects:
      • ENACT Course (2024–2025) – Nutrition education programme promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture and curricula integration in Indian institutions.​
      • Animal Health Systems Project – Technical cooperation for zoonotic disease management.
    • FAO supports India in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, improving farmer livelihoods, and sustainable resource use.​

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