Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIV
Written by Imana PAL
Malnutrition is a global issue that no country can afford to avoid. According to recent reports, the number of hungry people rises from 785 to 822 million from the year 2015 to 2018. Though food production is increased from the past few decades to make up the increasing demand for food, the loss of food and the wastage of food that occurs from the agricultural field to the consumer end are highly alarming. About one- third of agricultural production gets wasted every year. The judicious use of these food wastes can attenuate the crisis of hunger and malnutrition. Food loss and wastage of food not only signify wastage of wasting food particles but also inevitably address the wastage of most important available resources like land capable of agriculture, water footprints, energy, manure, chemical compounds, money and manpower. Climate change is another factor that disrupts food production. These two factors together challenge food security which is a basic human right. To a certain extent, food loss can be reduced by the use of proper food handling, use of technology etc., and edible wasted biomass can be transformed to harmless, alimental and simpatico products that can alleviate the nutrient deficiencies as well as undernutrition and enhance the sustainability of the total food system. Though loss and waste of food are not only the principal reason behind undernutrition through the reduction of the loss and wastage of food, the global problem of hunger and malnutrition can be eradicated to a certain extent. Thus, this research paper tries to discuss the cause, revival of the loss of food and wastage of food along with how the conversion of these wastes can produce nutritious food products that can not only maintain a sustainable food chain but also can alleviate the global problem of malnutrition.
[Read full article] [Citation]
