Global malnutrition has entered a stark paradox: food supply has expanded, yet equitable nutrition remains elusive. As countries such as India shift from food security to nutrition security, the policy focus has correspondingly evolved. It now centers on access, dietary diversity, and nutritional quality. Consequently, structural inefficiencies, policy fragmentation, and shifting consumption patterns continue to shape outcomes across developing economies. At the same time, integrated, resilient, inclusive, and green (RICH) agri-food systems, are emerging as critical instruments to close persistent nutritional gaps. Ultimately, amid rising economic ambition and enduring inequality, one principle stands firm: sustainable development demands that nations nourish populations, not merely feed them.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World at NutriBharat 2026, organized by ASSOCHAM, Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, offers a rigorous assessment of global malnutrition trends. He outlines FAO’s strategic interventions to mitigate these challenges. Furthermore, he examines how low- and middle-income countries deploy policy frameworks and public health mechanisms to combat malnutrition. He also evaluates India’s potential to emerge as a global food and nutrition hub, while articulating the expanding role of nutrition in advancing public health outcomes. The following are the key insights from this substantive discussion.
Q: What is your current assessment of global malnutrition trends, and how is your organization strategically contributing to its reduction?
A: Malnutrition remains a severe and persistent challenge across many developing countries. The core issue is no longer food availability; rather, it is the inefficiency and inequity of distribution systems. Therefore, strengthening last-mile delivery and supply chains is essential to reducing malnutrition, especially in rural regions of India.
India has largely achieved food security. The priority must now shift decisively toward nutrition security, with a focus on quality, diversity, and accessibility of diets. In this context, Food and Agriculture Organization advances the concept of “RICH” and smart agri-food systems for future-ready food cities. Here, “RICH” is not a reference to wealth; instead, it denotes systems that are Reliable, Innovative, Consumer-oriented, and Hygienic (or Healthy food).
This framework provides a pragmatic pathway to transform India’s food ecosystem. Crucially, the private sector plays a catalytic role in scaling these principles, driving innovation, improving efficiency, and aligning production with consumer needs. My engagement in this space has been both insightful and rewarding, reinforcing the importance of collaborative, system-level interventions.
Q: How are governments in low- and middle-income countries addressing malnutrition through policy and public health interventions?
A: We advocate diversified diets and set a minimum intake of 2,500 calories per day; however, caloric sufficiency alone is not enough. Individuals must consume a wide range of nutrient-dense foods to ensure balanced nutrition.
At the same time, malnutrition is not limited to undernourishment. It also includes overconsumption and poor dietary patterns. Therefore, we must address both ends of the spectrum, deficiency and excess, by placing diet quality, diversity, and balance at the center of nutrition policy and practice.
Q: How do you assess India’s potential to serve as a global food and nutrition hub?
A: India produces more food than it consumes and, as a result, exports substantial volumes to global markets. However, this creates a clear paradox: despite surplus production and strong export performance, segments of the population continue to suffer from malnutrition. This contradiction underscores a critical point, the challenge lies not in production, but in distribution, access, and the availability of diverse, nutritious foods.
At the same time, India continues to face a significant nutrition deficit. More than 10 percent of the population remains undernourished, which demands urgent and sustained intervention. Therefore, improving food access, strengthening distribution systems, and promoting dietary diversity must become immediate priorities.
Q: How can leadership across India’s food and agri-food sectors collaboratively address structural gaps, prioritize nutrition, and ensure sustainable economic growth aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047?
A: In this context, leadership across the food and agri-food sectors is pivotal. Industry stakeholders must act collectively to address these structural gaps and accelerate progress. Achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 will depend fundamentally on nutrition. A well-nourished population is not optional, it is the foundation of productivity, human capital, and long-term economic growth.
As India advances on its economic trajectory and is projected to surpass Japan in GDP ranking in the coming years, the imperative becomes even clearer. Sustained global leadership will require not only economic expansion, but also a decisive commitment to nutritional well-being.
