Page 63 - Catalysing Chemicals WIP (Version 2.0) FINAL ARTWORK.cdr

The Food Security Challenge

Sustainable Development Goal 195million under-nourished
(SDG - 2) of Zero Hunger has set the Indians.
target to halve global food waste
and reduce food losses along the India wastes more
production and supply chains.
than 33% of its
• India faces a severe food security
challenge, even though food-grain food produced
production has increased five fold
over the last fifty years
• Maximum food loss takes place
• Strong scientific research on high- in transit from farm to fork,
yielding crop varieties, better especially to urban markets.
agronomic practices, and pro- These losses not only impact
farmer policies have been at the producers with reduced income
bottom of this increase and consumers with increased
costs, but also challenge overall
• Yet India ranks at the 100th spot food security.
on the Hunger Index, with over

The Catalysts

• Chemistry has been used to storage, packing, transport and
preserve food since times infrastructure to improve soil
immemorial. Salt is amongst quality, enhance sustainability
the best food preservatives. of water and other natural
In modern times, chemistry resources, reduce food wastage,
has developed solutions for maintain freshness of food.
seed treatment, crop protection,
water management, etc. • Polyurethane provides a
solution for quick scale up of
• Chemistry partnered agriculture warehouses and for setting
in India in resolving the up new infrastructure.
challenges and driving in a
• Elastomeric acrylic roof
green revolution in the country.
coatings help reduce the need
• As a next step, chemistry is for air conditioning, while
helping develop new age keeping warehouses cool
solutions for better harvesting,

Chemistry Everywhere 59
In Pursuit of Sustainable Development