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New Delhi— The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) have unveiled a pivotal whitepaper titled “Nourishing India Sustainably – Ecosystem Actions for Food Systems Transformation” at the 15th edition of FICCI Foodworld India. This comprehensive report outlines critical megatrends affecting food production and consumption in India, emphasizing the urgent need for transformative actions within the food systems.
As India grapples with a rapidly growing population and rising economic prosperity, the report highlights the necessity of evolving food systems that prioritize health, nutrition, and sustainability. With increasing incomes, there is a notable shift in consumer preferences towards fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, and healthier options.
Hemant Malik, Chair of the FICCI Food Processing Committee and Executive Director of ITC Ltd, underscored the importance of adapting to these evolving consumption patterns. “With an increase in per capita income, the consumption pattern will evolve, shifting from staples to more value-added and innovative products,” he stated.
The report identifies several megatrends, including the dual focus on health and indulgence, as well as the tension between globalization and localization, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the food industry. Abheek Singhi, Chair of Practices at BCG, emphasized the need for strategic adaptability in navigating these paradoxical trends. “Success in these times of paradox requires long-term strategic thinking and flexibility,” he noted.
Key Imperatives for Transformation
To ensure food and nutrition security, the report outlines five key imperatives across the food value chain:
- Boosting Agricultural Productivity: With limited agricultural land, increasing productivity is essential. This can be achieved through crop diversification to meet evolving consumer preferences and enhance self-reliance.
- Adopting Sustainable Practices: Sustainable agricultural methods are crucial for higher yields and climate resilience.
- Reducing Food Losses and Waste: Minimizing waste throughout the supply chain is vital to ensure more food reaches consumers.
- Driving Innovation: Balancing nutrition, taste, and affordability requires innovative solutions that cater to diverse consumer needs.
- Strengthening Ecosystem Collaboration: The food industry must work collectively to address systemic challenges and drive meaningful transformation.
Despite the identified pathways to sustainability, producers face significant hurdles, including the complexity of balancing these demands, lack of support for transitioning, inadequate last-mile infrastructure, and limited economic viability.
Sushma Vasudevan, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, highlighted the need for collaborative innovation to overcome these challenges. “The big challenge that we have in front of us is to ensure the trifecta of health, taste, and price is met. This requires an ecosystem—both private and public—to come together to address and resolve these issues,” she explained.
Conclusion
The whitepaper calls for urgent action from all stakeholders in the food system to foster a sustainable future for India. By embracing innovation and collaboration, India can transform its food systems to meet the demands of a growing population while ensuring health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
