State of Food and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 Report
Why in News?
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The SOFI 2025 report reveals persistent and alarming levels of malnutrition in India, particularly among children and women, despite economic growth and multiple welfare schemes.
About the SOFI Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World |
| Started In | 1999 |
| Published By | FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, WHO |
| Purpose | Tracks global food security, hunger, and nutrition trends; supports monitoring of SDG-2: Zero Hunger |
Global Highlights (2025)
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Hunger Rate: Declined from 8.5% (2023) → 8.2% (2024).
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Undernourished Population: 735 million globally.
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Double Burden: Co-existence of undernutrition & obesity.
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Healthy Diets: Increasingly unaffordable due to inflation & climate shocks.
India-Specific Findings (SOFI 2025)
| Indicator | Value | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Wasting (under-5) | 18.7% (highest globally; 21M children) | Acute undernutrition |
| Stunting (under-5) | 37.4M children | Chronic malnutrition, cognitive loss |
| Overweight Children | 4.2M (up from 2.7M in 2012) | Poor diet diversity, rising obesity |
| Anaemia in Women (15–49) | 53.7% (203M women) | Low iron intake; affects maternal health & productivity |
| Undernourished Population | 172M (12% of population) | Widespread food insecurity |
| Unaffordable Healthy Diet | 42.9% cannot afford; cost rose $2.77 (2017) → $4.07 (2024) | Rising food prices vs income |
| Adult Obesity | 71.4M (doubled in 10 yrs) | Lifestyle & dietary imbalance |
Conclusion
The SOFI 2025 report underscores a paradox—economic growth in India has not translated into nutritional security, leaving millions malnourished while obesity rises. Tackling this double burden of malnutrition requires:
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Diet diversification & affordability through PM-POSHAN, fortified foods, and targeted PDS reforms.
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Women-centric nutrition interventions to reduce anaemia.
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Integrated health-nutrition programs combining ICDS, Poshan 2.0, and Ayushman Bharat.
Only a multi-sectoral approach can ensure SDG-2: Zero Hunger becomes a reality for India.
