India’s ambitious Zero Hunger Programme through interventions in farm sector was launched on occasion of World Food Day (October 16) with focus on agriculture, nutrition and health.
- This is a dedicated farm-based programme in sync with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end hunger by 2030.
- The Programme is initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
- The programme consists of organisations of farming system for nutrition, setting up genetic gardens for bio-fortified plants and initiation of ‘Zero Hunger’ training.
- The Programme initially was launched in three districts – Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Koraput (Odisha) and Thane (Maharashtra). More districts will be covered in future.