August 25, 2025

As the world faces a giant hunger storm — driven by wars, climate disasters, and a severe 40% funding cut to the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) — India is turning into a shining star in global food aid. Carl Skau, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director and COO, told PTI, "It's critical. For one, because of Western OECD countries pulling back on the funding. But I think also, importantly, because of the solutions that India has found for itself to deal with its food security." Imagine a country that once struggled with hunger now helping others with food solutions like grain ATMs and rice fortification — innovations that are now feeding millions in places like Gaza and Sudan. Skau praised India’s homegrown ideas and said they fit crisis-hit areas in Africa and Asia better than Western methods. "When it comes to ideas and solutions, India, Brazil, South Africa have a lot to offer. But also on the diplomacy front, India has increasing influence," he added. India’s strong voice in G20 and regional affairs is turning it into a powerful food and diplomatic force. During Skau's three-day visit, WFP plans to sign a deal with India to buy fortified rice regularly, ensuring faster and better aid during emergencies. Thanks to India’s big food surplus, they can quickly send large food supplies when disaster strikes. The country’s smart warehousing and supply chain tricks have saved WFP $30 million and are being used in tough places like Ethiopia and Sudan. India’s big programs like the National Food Security Act and Mid-Day Meal Scheme are inspiring countries like Sudan and Haiti. WFP wants to create a "centre of excellence" to share India’s secrets with the world. Skau summed it up: "India's story from being a country where we assisted to now an exporter of food with a food surplus shows impressive progress." But it's not just about food. WFP is also counting on India's growing diplomatic muscles to open doors in conflict zones like Afghanistan, Myanmar, Yemen, and Gaza. In Gaza, WFP helps one million people every month but needs 300-400 trucks daily — only 100 trucks get through. "Right now, it's the worst we have seen ever," said Skau, demanding a ceasefire and better access. The 40% funding cut is a global headache, with reductions from the US, Europe, the UK, and Germany. With hunger rising worldwide, WFP faces painful choices. In Afghanistan, aid has dropped from nearly 10 million people helped three years ago to just 1-2 million now. "We are cutting basically from the hungry to give to the starving. The problem with that is that next year, the hungry will be starving," warned Skau. Conflict fuels two-thirds of the world’s 320 million hungry people. Add climate shocks and economic troubles, and you get a "perfect storm," as seen in Somalia. The Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar is yet another drama, with one million refugees relying fully on WFP aid. Skau urged governments, businesses, and people everywhere to step up with money and support. He believes India's private sector and citizens can play a key role in fighting hunger. With the UN’s Zero Hunger Goal for 2030 under threat, the stakes have never been higher. India’s friendship with WFP might just be the global hunger game-changer the world desperately needs.

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Tags: World food programme, India food surplus, Global hunger crisis, Food security, Humanitarian aid, Wfp funding cuts,