Food security advocate Sudhakar Tomar highlights the vital role of technology, collaboration, and investment in agriculture for creating sustainable solutions to the world's hunger crisis
In an exclusive interview with ET Edge Insights, Sudhakar Tomar, President of the India Middle East Agri Alliance and a distinguished expert in food security and agricultural innovations, highlighted how technology, collaboration, and strategic investment in agriculture are crucial for sustainable solutions to the global hunger crisis. Tomar’s insights shed light on how these elements can drive meaningful progress in addressing food insecurity and achieving long-term resilience.
Interview excerpts
Hunger crisis is one of the major challenges confronting the human population, highlighting the urgent need for increased efforts to ensure food security. How is the world coping to tackle this crisis?
The hunger crisis, or the food crisis, is a global and secular issue that affects every part of the world regardless of caste, creed, or economic situation. It is a truly global phenomenon. Historically, industrialisation in the rich world has come at the expense of the global south, leading to increased food insecurity and hunger due to the growing population. Currently, over 3.3 billion people cannot afford a healthy meal, and approximately 800 million people go to bed hungry every night.
Recent crises which I refer to as the 3Cs: climate change, COVID-19, and conflicts have intensified the hunger crisis. Additionally, food loss contributes significantly to the problem. To address the situation, we need to reimagine our approach and find a solution. Fortunately, we have enough resources and knowledge available, and it’s just a matter of collaboration with all stakeholders to find practical and workable solutions for the global south, including Asia and Africa.
What emerging technologies in agribusiness or agriculture could help accelerate the process of addressing the hunger crisis and bring stability to it?
Several emerging agricultural technologies can help accelerate the process of addressing the hunger crisis and bring stability. These technologies can increase output and increase crop yields, which boosts food production and helps address food shortages. By implementing technologies to reduce food loss, we can increase the available food supply by up to 60%, significantly contributing to global food security.
When looking at the total global production of food and dividing it by the number of people on the planet (7.2 billion people), there is enough food available, with approximately 3,000 calories per person per day. However, food security and hunger are more about socio-political supply chain issues rather than the absolute availability of food. By using these technologies, we can improve food distribution and ensure that resources reach those who need them most, thus addressing the hunger crisis more effectively.
How do you evaluate the investment landscape in the agricultural sector, particularly concerning the current hunger crisis?
There is a lack of investment in agriculture and agritrade in Asia. To improve agricultural conditions, countries in this region should begin with domestic investments in agribusiness. For instance, in India, there is a need for investors, venture capitalists, and founders to consider investing in agriculture and agritrade, including pre-farming, farming, and post-farming innovations. These sectors offer numerous investment opportunities, as there are many technologies and “white spaces” available for exploration and development.
Agriculture is fundamental to the economies of these regions and employs a significant portion of the population (68-70% in some areas). Investing in agribusiness and agritrade can boost food production and distribution, helping to alleviate the hunger crisis and promote economic prosperity.
As an Asian business leader, what advice would you give to others looking to invest in agriculture?
Collaboration is crucial. Investors, researchers, marketers, farmers, and government bodies should work together to tackle the hunger crisis. By leveraging existing white spaces in agriculture and food sectors, stakeholders can find innovative solutions that benefit billions of people across Asia and Africa.
Can you tell us more about the India Middle East Agri Alliance?
The India Middle East Agribusiness Alliance was established following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Middle East. This initiative was created to promote bilateral trade and investment in agribusiness and agriculture, with two main goals: enhancing regional food supply security and increasing farmers’ income. The Alliance’s mandate involves providing support, mentorship, and funding for food security, regional food, and nutrition security investments. The focus is on projects that can significantly boost farmers’ income
Additionally, the Alliance aims to ensure that the technologies and business propositions it supports are scalable and can be replicated in other parts of the Global South, to create a lasting and meaningful impact.
