Cereal-centric agriculture and food policies
Agriculture and food policies in South Asia, like in many other developing countries, continue to prioritise the affordability of starchy staples over the diverse diets required for long-term health. Rice, wheat, and sugarcane growers, for example, are eligible for price guarantees in India. Similarly, rice farmers in Sri Lanka have preferential access to subsidised fertiliser.
“This bias also extends to public investments in agricultural research and development, which have prioritised enhancing the productivity of rice and wheat, while neglecting coarse grains and pulses,” it said.
Co-authored by 41 researchers representing IFPRI and several partner organisations, the report called for urgent and concerted efforts to transform global food systems to ensure equitable access to sustainable, healthy diets for everyone.
“The 2024 GFPR serves as a clarion call for prioritising sustainable, healthy diets as a cornerstone of public health and sustainable development,” said Johan Swinnen, director general, IFPRI and managing director, systems transformation for global agricultural innovation network CGIAR.
Experts stressed the importance of prioritising improving diets as a critical entry point for addressing all forms of malnutrition and diet-related NCDs.
“Evidence suggests that poor quality diets are the leading cause of disease worldwide and that one in five lives could be saved by improving diets,” said Deanna Olney, director of IFPRI’s nutrition, diets, and health unit and the lead author of the report.
