Maldives wastes most food at 260kg per person as 645 million face hunger
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Food processing & supply chain· Prelims·
Food security and waste paradox: a key GS3 Agriculture and Sustainable Development theme.
Why in news
The UN and FAO highlighted the paradox of global food waste and hunger on World Food Day, noting that the Maldives records the highest food waste per capita at 260kg.
Background
In 2025, 645 million people (7.8% of the world population) faced hunger, with Africa being the most affected region (309 million undernourished). Annually, over a billion tonnes of food are wasted, costing approximately $1 trillion.
Facts for Prelims
- FactMaldives wastes 260kg of food per person annually.
- Fact645 million people faced hunger in 2025, representing 7.8% of the world population.
- FactAfrica had 309 million undernourished people in 2025.
- BodyFAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) was founded in 1945.
- Report / IndexGlobal Hunger Index scores countries out of 100 based on undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality.
Prelims practice question
Which region had the highest number of undernourished people in 2025 according to the report?
- (a)Europe
- (b)Asia
- (c)South America
- (d)Africa
Show answer
Answer: (d) Africa — Africa had 309 million undernourished people in 2025.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the systemic reasons behind the global paradox of high food waste alongside persistent hunger, and suggest measures to achieve sustainable food systems.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Logistical inefficiencies: Lack of cold-chain infrastructure in developing regions leading to post-harvest losses
- Consumption patterns: High-income nations' waste vs. low-income nations' caloric deficits
- Policy intervention: Need for circular economy models in food supply chains to reduce the $1 trillion waste cost
Keywords: Food Security · Sustainable Development Goals · Post-harvest losses · Food Waste · Global Hunger Index · Circular Economy
More Agriculture notes
- Minister for Food and Civil Supplies P. Venkataramanan announced on Thursday that the Tamil · 16 October 2026
- WINDS project stalls as only 4% of 49,313 rain gauges are installed · 15 October 2026
- Tamil Nadu reports 11.71 thousand million cubic feet shortfall; demands Karnataka comply with directives · 15 October 2026
- Maharashtra declares drought-like conditions in 265 talukas under Rs 1,400 crore premium pool · 15 October 2026
- CM Joseph Vijay lays foundation for ₹3,108.55 crore ring main pipeline system · 15 October 2026
- Union Government forms Ramesh Chand panel to address Karnataka and Maharashtra sugarcane farmer concerns · 14 October 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.