India turns out to be the second country that produces 78 million tonnes of household waste

While many people around the world struggle to manage even one meal a day, there are many countries that waste millions of tons of food every year, and sadly India is one of them! According to statistics released by the UNEP Food Waste Index, it was found that China tops the list of Asia’s Food Waste Challenge, and India is the second country that produces 78 million tonnes of food waste every year. Here’s all you need to know about this report and how countries can mindfully fix this waste by taking the right measures.All about the food waste indexThe UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 reveals that China is the world’s largest producer of household food waste, discarding over 108 million tonnes annually. India follows closely with more than 78 million tonnes, while Brazil, Indonesia, and Japan complete the top five, each contributing millions of tonnes of unused food to global waste. These figures highlight a growing environmental concern as population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns continue to strain food systems across the globe.The biggest contributor of waste In Southeast Asia, Indonesia emerges as the region’s biggest contributor, wasting around 14.7 million tonnes of food each year. Despite strong agricultural production, much of this waste stems from urban centers like Jakarta and Surabaya, where food oversupply and inefficient storage practices are common. Meanwhile, the Philippines also faces challenges, wasting nearly 3 million tonnes annually as major cities such as Manila struggle to balance rising demand with responsible consumption.Steps taken to reduce wasteEfforts to curb food waste are gaining traction across Asia, with several governments and cities implementing recycling, composting, and redistribution initiatives. However, the data underscores an urgent need for broader behavioral and systemic change—particularly in Southeast Asia’s growing cities. As the region continues to develop rapidly, promoting sustainable consumption and efficient food management will be essential to reducing waste and protecting the planet’s resources.Pic credit: Instagram/seasia.stats