Context

• Food is far more than mere sustenance and it is an integral part of cultural identity, playing a pivotal role in rituals, festivals, and daily life.
• As India progresses towards its vision of Viksit Bharat by its 78th year of Independence, ensuring food safety and security is paramount.
• Therefore, it is important to delve into the multifaceted importance of food, the critical role of food safety, and the potential of food irradiation technology in addressing the challenges within India’s food sector.

The Cultural and Economic Importance of Food

• Food is deeply embedded in cultural traditions, reflecting the values and identities of communities.
• It serves as a focal point during festivals, religious rituals, and social gatherings, reinforcing the social fabric of societies.
• However, the importance of food extends beyond cultural significance; it is a critical driver of economic growth.
• The food industry is a major contributor to national economies, fuelling domestic consumption, generating employment, and enhancing export revenues.
• In India, the food sector is particularly crucial, as it underpins rural and agricultural development, providing livelihoods to millions.

Challenges in Food Safety and Security

• Post-Harvest Losses and Perishable Goods
  • One of the most significant challenges in food safety and security in India is the high level of post-harvest losses, especially of perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat.
  • These losses occur at various stages of the supply chain, from harvesting to transportation, storage, and distribution.
  • The lack of adequate cold storage facilities, poor transportation infrastructure, and inefficient handling practices contribute to the spoilage of food before it reaches consumers.
  • This not only reduces the availability of food but also leads to significant economic losses for farmers and other stakeholders in the food supply chain.
• Fragmented Supply Chain and Infrastructure Gaps
  • India’s food supply chain is highly fragmented, with numerous intermediaries between farmers and consumers.
  • This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies in the distribution process, resulting in higher food costs and increased vulnerability to contamination and spoilage.
  • The lack of a cohesive and well-integrated supply chain also makes it difficult to implement standardised food safety measures across the board.
• Regulatory and Compliance Issues
  • India’s food safety regulatory framework is complex, involving multiple agencies and regulations.
  • While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a central role in ensuring food safety, the enforcement of regulations at the ground level is often inconsistent.
  • This is due in part to the vast and diverse nature of the Indian food industry, which ranges from large-scale industrial processors to small, informal vendors.
• Public Health Risks and Food-Borne Illnesses
  • Food safety incidents, including contamination and the spread of food-borne illnesses, remain a serious concern in India.
  • Contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and pathogens can enter the food supply at various stages, from production to processing and packaging.
  • These contaminants pose significant health risks to consumers, including acute illnesses and long-term health effects.
• Climate Change and Environmental Factors
  • Climate change poses additional challenges to food safety and security in India.
  • Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events can affect agricultural productivity and lead to increased risks of contamination and spoilage.
  • For example, higher temperatures can accelerate the growth of harmful microorganisms, increasing the risk of food-borne illnesses.

Potential of Food Irradiation Technology in Addressing Challenges and Its Economic Potential in India

• A Modern Solution to Age-Old Challenges
  • Food irradiation is a technology that involves exposing food to ionizing radiation in a controlled environment.
  • This process effectively eliminates harmful microorganisms, reduces the risk of food-borne illnesses, and slows down the decay of perishable products.
  • By delaying premature ripening, germination, or sprouting, irradiation significantly extends the shelf life of agrifood products, reducing the need for chemical preservatives and ensuring that food reaches consumers in optimal condition.
  • The concept of using radiation for food preservation is not new. Traditional methods, such as drying fruits and vegetables under the sun, have been used for centuries.
  • However, modern interest in this technology surged after the Codex Alimentarius Commission, part of the Joint Food Standard Programme of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the UN, established global standards for its use.
• Safe and Effective Method of Food Preservation
  • Food irradiation is a safe and effective method that has been widely adopted in countries with advanced safety standards, including the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the European Union.
  • A notable example of its impact is the 2012 agreement that allowed Indian mangoes to be exported to the US after a 20-year ban.
  • This breakthrough was achieved by India’s agreement to irradiate its mangoes before export, thereby eliminating or significantly reducing the threat of pests and protecting US domestic agriculture.
• The Economic Potential of Food Irradiation Facilities in India
  • India has made significant strides in establishing food irradiation processing facilities, with 34 such units currently operational across the country.
  • The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has played a crucial role in developing this infrastructure, with 16 of these facilities receiving MoFPI support.
  • Despite this progress, there remains a pressing need to expand the number and distribution of irradiation facilities to meet the growing demands of India’s vibrant agrifood market.
  • However, the widespread commissioning of food irradiation facilities is constrained by high capital costs.
  • Despite these challenges, there are substantial opportunities for investors in the food irradiation sector.
  • With the Indian food processing sector expected to reach $535 billion by 2025-26, irradiation facilities are poised to become critical players in reducing food waste, meeting stringent export standards, and enhancing food safety.

Government Support for Irradiation Infrastructure and Future Prospects

• Recognising the importance of expanding food irradiation infrastructure, the MoFPI offers financial assistance of up to Rs 10 crore per project for setting up food irradiation units.
• This support, provided as grants or subsidies, is designed to enhance the hygiene and shelf life of perishable produce, including fruits and vegetables.
• Following the announcement in the Union budget 2024-25, MoFPI has invited Expressions of Interest from entrepreneurs to establish multi-product food irradiation units under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (Cold Chain scheme).
• The expansion of food irradiation infrastructure is not just an economic opportunity; it is a necessity for ensuring food security and safety in India.
• By leveraging the financial support provided by the government, investors can contribute to the development of a more resilient and sustainable food supply chain, driving the future of India’s agriculture and economy.

Conclusion

• Food is a cornerstone of culture and a vital component of economic growth and as India strides towards its vision of Viksit Bharat, addressing food safety and security through innovative solutions like food irradiation is essential.
• With government support and entrepreneurial investment, India can enhance its food safety standards, reduce waste, and secure a more prosperous future for its agrifood sector.