Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council (24 Feb - 4 Apr 2025) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 11 March 2025

Madam Vice President,

India thanks the Special Rapporteur for the comprehensive report highlighting structural challenges to global food security and proposed food system transformations. We emphasize the need for resilient, country-led approaches that ensure food security while addressing global challenges.

2. India has prioritized food security through the National Food Security Act, benefiting over 813 million people. The PM POSHAN program serves 117 million schoolchildren daily, enhancing dietary diversity, while the Poshan Abhiyan strengthens nutrition security for women and children.

3. We have promoted sustainable agriculture through initiatives such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana focusing on soil health and organic farming, and by promoting millet-based products and climate-resilient crops. The recently launched National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) promotes natural farming for providing safe & nutritious food for all, following local agro-ecological principles rooted in local knowledge, location specific technologies and evolved as per the local agro-ecology. Initiatives like PM-KISAN and One Nation One Ration Card strengthen food distribution and ensure food entitlement portability. Community seed banks and farmers’ rights protection further empower local food systems.

4. We remain committed to sharing our experiences with our partners and strengthening international cooperation based on equity and solidarity. Could the Special Rapporteur elaborate on how financial institutions can better support developing countries in redesigning food budgets without increasing debt burdens?

Thank you.