931mntonnesoffoodwastedgloballyin2019:UN

An estimated 931 million tonnes of food were wasted globally in 2019, enough to circle the Earth seven times, according to a UN report which said that household food waste in India is about 68.7 million tonnes a year.

The Food Waste Index Report 2021, from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and partner organisation WRAP, said that around 931 million tonnes of food waste was generated in 2019, sixty-one per cent of which came from households, 26 per cent from food service and 13 per cent from retail. "This suggests that 17 per cent of total global food production may be wasted," it said.

"The weight roughly equals that of 23 million fully loaded 40-tonne trucks - bumper-to-bumper, enough to circle the Earth seven times," the UN agency said.

In India, the household food waste estimate is 50 kg per capita per year, or 68,760,163 tonnes a year. The household food waste estimate in the US is 59 kg per capita per year, or 19,359,951 tonnes a year, while for China these estimates are 64 kg per capita per year or 91,646,213 tonnes a year.

The report looks at food waste that occurs in retail outlets, restaurants and homes — counting both food and inedible parts like bones and shells and presents the most comprehensive food waste data collection, analysis and modelling to date.

It finds that in nearly every country that has measured food waste, it was substantial, regardless of income level. It shows that most of this waste comes from households, which discard 11 per cent of the total food available at the consumption stage of the supply chain. Food services and retail outlets waste 5 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.

On a global per capita-level, 121 kgs of consumer level food is wasted each year, with 74 kgs of this happening in households, the UNEP said in a statement.

Ref.: ‘Mumbai's Missing Roads’ (March 5). All 'missing links' need to be opened up, as has been done recently in Orlem, Malad West. While they are at it, the civic authorities ought to do away with ‘private roads’. These so-called private roads are actually being used by the public but not maintained by the civic body, with the result that they are in terrible condition. One wonders at times, whether the ‘will to act’ on the part of the civic authorities, is actually the ‘missing link’ in relieving this city of its many ills.

Melville X D'Souza

ARIES:

Your health may be troublesome, you may catch cough and cold, so take care. It is advisable that you do yoga and skip outside food.

TAURUS: Financial problems are likely to arise. Control the financial situation before things get worse. While speaking with spouse/ partner, express your true feelings & thoughts.

GEMINI: Due to financial constraints, you may have to borrow money in order to meet financial/ personal commitments. Keep a tight watch on your expenses.

CANCER: Business people should expect a boost in returns. Clients from other parts of the world will give your business an extra push. New relationships are on the cards.

LEO:

Your experience will strengthen and give power to deal with difficult situations. You are now capable of assimilating differing viewpoints and attitudes.

VIRGO: Rise in income is likely today. Students must take care of their documents as they might get misplaced. You may have a challenging day at work.

LIBRA: Eat healthily, exercise regularly or else you will keep falling ill on regular basis. Spend time with people who have a positive outlook on life.

SCORPIO: Increasing work pressure may up mental stress. You may feel a little disturbed on emotional front. Be prepared before attending any important meetings.

CAPRICORN:

SAGITTARIUS: Your love life may hit a rough patch. Take care of official papers and documents at the workplace. You may go through ups and downs on the business front.

You will be in a very positive state of mind. Channel your positive energies to create something good. Consult your seniors if you are doubtful about something.

By Nilikash P. Pradhan AQUARIUS:

Your loving spirit makes you a beacon of compassion in a harried, hurried time. Those who are in a relationship may plan to tie the knot in the near future.

PISCES: Your domestic life is likely to improve. Business people may earn profits. Some may change their job. New and exciting work opportunities may come on your way.