There's nothing sweet about the corona pandemic but one Erfurt baker has found a way to take the edge off the harsh reality and give his customers something to smile about. Torsten Roth has drawn on his patissier skills to create a whole selection of corona cakes and candies.

If you can't beat it, eat it! Baker creates coronavirus-themed pralines

Scientists at Belgium's university of Ghent are experimenting with larva fat to replace butter in cakes, cookies and waffles, saying deriving grease from insects is more sustainable than dairy production.

Would you eat Belgian waffles made with 'bug butter'?

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed.

CNN reported that the operation, known as "Operation Rock Wallaby'' is part of a post-fire wildlife recovery programme, as iterated by Matt Kean, the Minister of Energy and Environment.

"The provision of supplementary food is one of the key strategies we are deploying to promote the survival and recovery of endangered species like the brush-tailed rock-wallaby," Kean said.&nbsp;

Officials claim that over 1,000 kilograms worth of sweet potatoes and carrots have been dropped in the last week.

"Initial fire assessments indicate the habitat of several important brush-tailed rock-wallaby populations was burnt in the recent bushfires. The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat", Kean added.

<h6><img alt="bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ad07dd2-b7b5-42f7-8009-d0575926fcca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_48.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This photo taken on January 9, 2020 shows a rescued kangaroo being cared for by volunteers of wildlife rescue group WIRES, who are working to save and rehabilitate animals from the months-long bushfire disaster, on the outskirts of Sydney | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The key target of this drop is the brush-tailed rock wallabies. These are marsupials, like kangaroos that live on ''rocky escarpments, granite outcrops, and cliffs'', as per the Australian Department of Environment and Energy.&nbsp;

Department data added that out of the 15 species in Australia, many can no longer be seen and are now perceived as threatened. They are endangered in New South Wales.

Nearly hundreds of bushfires in Australia have wiped out livelihoods, animals, and infrastructure. The fires were brought under control only very recently. 
 
Kean said, "When we can, we are also setting up cameras to monitor the uptake of the food and the number and variety of animals there."

Over half a billion animals have been affected by the bushfire damage in New South Wales alone.

According to the University of Sydney, millions of animals could be possibly dead. These include birds, reptiles and mammals.

CNN reported that the total number of animals affected by the wildfire damage could be as high as a billion, according to Christopher Dickman, an ecologist at the University of Sydney.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca51075c-d1d2-4739-a4bf-53a181861be9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_37.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This photo taken on January 16, 2020 shows an Australian Defence Force helicopter taking off on Kangaroo Island as part of the deployment of 3,000 soldiers to assist in bushfire-affected areas after they ravaged the island off of the south coast of Australia | AFP</h6>

The NWS government is planning to continue dropping food until the natural supply of resources like food and water is restored organically.&nbsp;

In the Australian east coast, thunderstorms are now ravaging the disastrous remains of the bushfires. At one point, there were more than 100 bushfires in the country alone, which were recently brought under control.

International response to the bushfire crisis has contributed to controlling the mega blaze. Recently, specialists from countries like Japan and the United States joined local fire teams to help control the fire.

The Defence Force of New Zealand recently announced the dispatch of more reinforcements from to Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-bushfires-unprecedented-rain-floods-parts-of-australian-east-coast-274966">After bushfires, unprecedented rain floods parts of Australian east coast</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed.

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed. CNN reported that the operation, known as "Operation Rock Wallaby'' is part of a post-fire wildlife recovery programme, as iterated by Matt Kean, the Minister of Energy and Environment. "The provision of supplementary food is one of the key strategies we are deploying to promote the survival and recovery of endangered species like the brush-tailed rock-wallaby," Kean said. Officials claim that over 1,000 kilograms worth of sweet potatoes and carrots have been dropped in the last week. "Initial fire assessments indicate the habitat of several important brush-tailed rock-wallaby populations was burnt in the recent bushfires. The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat", Kean added. Image: This photo taken on January 9, 2020 shows a rescued kangaroo being cared for by volunteers of wildlife rescue group WIRES, who are working to save and rehabilitate animals from the months-long bushfire disaster, on the outskirts of Sydney | AFP The key target of this drop is the brush-tailed rock wallabies. These are marsupials, like kangaroos that live on ''rocky escarpments, granite outcrops, and cliffs'', as per the Australian Department of Environment and Energy. Department data added that out of the 15 species in Australia, many can no longer be seen and are now perceived as threatened. They are endangered in New South Wales. Nearly hundreds of bushfires in Australia have wiped out livelihoods, animals, and infrastructure. The fires were brought under control only very recently. Kean said, "When we can, we are also setting up cameras to monitor the uptake of the food and the number and variety of animals there." Over half a billion animals have been affected by the bushfire damage in New South Wales alone. According to the University of Sydney, millions of animals could be possibly dead. These include birds, reptiles and mammals. CNN reported that the total number of animals affected by the wildfire damage could be as high as a billion, according to Christopher Dickman, an ecologist at the University of Sydney. Image: This photo taken on January 16, 2020 shows an Australian Defence Force helicopter taking off on Kangaroo Island as part of the deployment of 3,000 soldiers to assist in bushfire-affected areas after they ravaged the island off of the south coast of Australia | AFP The NWS government is planning to continue dropping food until the natural supply of resources like food and water is restored organically. In the Australian east coast, thunderstorms are now ravaging the disastrous remains of the bushfires. At one point, there were more than 100 bushfires in the country alone, which were recently brought under control. International response to the bushfire crisis has contributed to controlling the mega blaze. Recently, specialists from countries like Japan and the United States joined local fire teams to help control the fire. The Defence Force of New Zealand recently announced the dispatch of more reinforcements from to Australia. Also read: After bushfires, unprecedented rain floods parts of Australian east coast (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Authorities dropping food from helicopters to feed bushfire-ravaged animals

Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo is shopping for vegetables at a market in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos. Oluwatoyin runs Augustsecrets, a company she started on 2016 that develops meals for children, using locally sourced ingredients. The trained nutritionist says she is intentional about the choice of vegetables and fruits she buys; the colors are crucial in making eye-catching meals that are also healthy and tasty for children.

Playful food: Nigerian entrepreneur gets kids to the table with fun recipes

A UK court has ruled that Veganism is a philosophical belief and not just a dietary fad. Should India follow suit? Watch this report from Gravitas. #Gravitas #Veganism #Diet #DietFad

Gravitas: Veganism is no longer just a dietary fad, says UK court

The number of people requiring urgent food aid in 16 countries across Africa's Sahel region more than doubled this year to some 9.4 million amid an increase in violence and insecurity, officials and experts said Monday.

Three countries, Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso, are facing crisis conditions, at phase three of five on the scale used by the Food Crisis Prevention Network, which includes government and United Nations representatives as well as NGOs.

Some 9.4 million people are estimated to be in immediate need of assistance in October-December 2019 in the 16 countries analysed (excluding Liberia), including 4 million in Nigeria, 1.5 million in Niger and 1.2 million in Burkina Faso.

"By&nbsp;June-August 2020, 14.4 million people are projected to be in a crisis situation or worse, including 1.2 million in an emergency situation (phase 4)," the network said in a statement issued during its annual meeting in Paris.

"Civil insecurity has deteriorated this year in Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria," said Mahalmoudou Hamadoun of the Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel.

"So these mainly rural populations cannot ensure their means of subsistence, agriculture or animal raising, even as they continue to be affected by climate change," he said.

The vast expanse of the Sahel along the southern rim of the Sahara is extremely vulnerable to drought, even as birthrates surge across the region.

Attacks by jihadist insurgents against police and other government targets, along with inter-ethnic fighting, are also adding to the strains on local populations.

"Entire villages have been displaced in Burkina Faso, schools and health clinics are closed,&nbsp;people don't have the possibility of staying in their homes," said Sibiri Jean Zoundi, head of the Sahel Club at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The number of people requiring urgent food aid in 16 countries across Africa's Sahel region more than doubled this year to some 9.4 million amid an increase in violence and insecurity, officials and experts said Monday.

The number of people requiring urgent food aid in 16 countries across Africa's Sahel region more than doubled this year to some 9.4 million amid an increase in violence and insecurity, officials and experts said Monday. Three countries, Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso, are facing crisis conditions, at phase three of five on the scale used by the Food Crisis Prevention Network, which includes government and United Nations representatives as well as NGOs. Some 9.4 million people are estimated to be in immediate need of assistance in October-December 2019 in the 16 countries analysed (excluding Liberia), including 4 million in Nigeria, 1.5 million in Niger and 1.2 million in Burkina Faso. "By June-August 2020, 14.4 million people are projected to be in a crisis situation or worse, including 1.2 million in an emergency situation (phase 4)," the network said in a statement issued during its annual meeting in Paris. "Civil insecurity has deteriorated this year in Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria," said Mahalmoudou Hamadoun of the Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel. "So these mainly rural populations cannot ensure their means of subsistence, agriculture or animal raising, even as they continue to be affected by climate change," he said. The vast expanse of the Sahel along the southern rim of the Sahara is extremely vulnerable to drought, even as birthrates surge across the region. Attacks by jihadist insurgents against police and other government targets, along with inter-ethnic fighting, are also adding to the strains on local populations. "Entire villages have been displaced in Burkina Faso, schools and health clinics are closed, people don't have the possibility of staying in their homes," said Sibiri Jean Zoundi, head of the Sahel Club at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel: Sources

Tens Of Thousands Of Netizens Slam U.S. Professor For His 'Unsavoury' Opinion On Indian Food.

Gravitas: 'Terrible Indian Food' Tweet Sparks Row

Inflation in South Africa reached an eight-year low last month on the back of low fuel prices, official figures showed Wednesday.

"Annual consumer inflation continued its downward streak, dropping to 3.7 per cent in&nbsp;October from 4.1 per cent in September," South Africa's statistics department StatsSA said Wednesday, adding that the figure was the lowest since February 2011.

The announcement comes as a relief to Africa's most industrialised economy, whose currency has been weakened by years of low growth and mass layoffs.

StatsSA said the drop was mainly fuelled by a 4.9-per cent decline in fuel prices from October last year. &nbsp;

Food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, and goods and services were the main contributors to the annual rise in prices.

Among food, the most notable price increases were observed among bread and cereal, fish and fruit.

Average inflation stood at 4.2 per cent between January and October in 2019, down from 4.6 per cent over the same period last year.

Inflation in South Africa reached an eight-year low last month on the back of low fuel prices, official figures showed Wednesday. "Annual consumer inflation continued its downward streak, dropping to 3.

Inflation in South Africa reached an eight-year low last month on the back of low fuel prices, official figures showed Wednesday. "Annual consumer inflation continued its downward streak, dropping to 3.7 per cent in October from 4.1 per cent in September," South Africa's statistics department StatsSA said Wednesday, adding that the figure was the lowest since February 2011. The announcement comes as a relief to Africa's most industrialised economy, whose currency has been weakened by years of low growth and mass layoffs. StatsSA said the drop was mainly fuelled by a 4.9-per cent decline in fuel prices from October last year. Food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, and goods and services were the main contributors to the annual rise in prices. Among food, the most notable price increases were observed among bread and cereal, fish and fruit. Average inflation stood at 4.2 per cent between January and October in 2019, down from 4.6 per cent over the same period last year.

South Africa's inflation drops to 3.7 percent

South West Asia swarmed by Locusts. Pakistan's threat to food security? Watch this video to find out more.

Pakistan's threat to food security?

Narayana Reddy, the renowned YouTuber who cooked expansive meals outdoors and fed the poor has passed away at the age of 73. Reddy died on October 27 but his demise was announced only after his funeral.

With 6 million YouTube subscribers on his channel called ''Grandpa Kitchen'', Reddy shot to fame by making huge meals with the assistance of his grandchildren. Most of these meals were used to feed underprivileged people including orphans in the outskirts of Hyderabad in Telangana.

Over time, the whole family quit their respective jobs and invested their time into his videos.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCTUoBMk-GE">An emotionally charged video</a> uploaded onto the channel on Wednesday depicted him being laid to rest after the funeral. During the procession, his body was draped in flowers. "You live forever in our hearts'', announced the video.

Reddy uploaded his first video in August 2017, with the title ''King of 2000 eggs'' which currently has over 2.6 million views. In the video, Reddy can be seen cooking a vast egg-laden dish outdoor with his signature moustache. He and his grandsons then divided the dish up and served it to local homeless people.

Reddy uploaded 260 videos, with many having multi-million views. Even though his forte was Indian style cooking, his most famous video is about ''french fries''. His other famous recipes include Chicken Biryani, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBtZ44Az-iE">Maggi</a>, Chicken Pizza, and Donuts.

His most recent dishes include <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnWhlqs8QIk">''Traditional prawns Biryani''</a> and ''McVeggie style burger''.

A fan expressed his gratitude toward the famous cook under his final video and said, ''Feels like we all are his grandchildren now. Rest easy grandpa.''

Another fan said, ''This is so sad. Not only does he feed the less fortunate he fed us with actually good and inspiring content. Rest In Peace Grandpa.''

Additionally, another fan on Twitter said, ''the world has lost a hero''.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The legend YouTuber 'Grandpa Kitchen' gone forever. A 73 year old man that has helping people especially the orphans with the food that he cook on YouTube. I hope whatever he started is carried on by someone else. 
RIP Grandpa Narayana Reddy, the world has lost a hero<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPGrandpa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPGrandpa</a> <a href="https://t.co/qE0Sxdu0Xz">pic.twitter.com/qE0Sxdu0Xz</a>
— Robin Varghese (@chackochan_95) <a href="https://twitter.com/chackochan_95/status/1189935905068306432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Patreon, a fundraising platform, the Granda Kitchen team described their modus operandi as ''[entertaining] people by cooking food and [donating] the proceeds to charities''.&nbsp;

"Our goal is to provide basic necessities like food, clothing, school supplies and birthday gifts to the orphans", their statement on the website added. 
&nbsp;

Narayana Reddy, the renowned YouTuber who cooked expansive meals outdoors and fed the poor has passed away at the age of 73. Reddy died on October 27 but his demise was announced only after his funeral.

Narayana Reddy, the renowned YouTuber who cooked expansive meals outdoors and fed the poor has passed away at the age of 73. Reddy died on October 27 but his demise was announced only after his funeral. With 6 million YouTube subscribers on his channel called ''Grandpa Kitchen'', Reddy shot to fame by making huge meals with the assistance of his grandchildren. Most of these meals were used to feed underprivileged people including orphans in the outskirts of Hyderabad in Telangana. Over time, the whole family quit their respective jobs and invested their time into his videos. An emotionally charged video uploaded onto the channel on Wednesday depicted him being laid to rest after the funeral. During the procession, his body was draped in flowers. "You live forever in our hearts'', announced the video. Reddy uploaded his first video in August 2017, with the title ''King of 2000 eggs'' which currently has over 2.6 million views. In the video, Reddy can be seen cooking a vast egg-laden dish outdoor with his signature moustache. He and his grandsons then divided the dish up and served it to local homeless people. Reddy uploaded 260 videos, with many having multi-million views. Even though his forte was Indian style cooking, his most famous video is about ''french fries''. His other famous recipes include Chicken Biryani, Maggi, Chicken Pizza, and Donuts. His most recent dishes include ''Traditional prawns Biryani'' and ''McVeggie style burger''. A fan expressed his gratitude toward the famous cook under his final video and said, ''Feels like we all are his grandchildren now. Rest easy grandpa.'' Another fan said, ''This is so sad. Not only does he feed the less fortunate he fed us with actually good and inspiring content. Rest In Peace Grandpa.'' Additionally, another fan on Twitter said, ''the world has lost a hero''. The legend YouTuber 'Grandpa Kitchen' gone forever. A 73 year old man that has helping people especially the orphans with the food that he cook on YouTube. I hope whatever he started is carried on by someone else. RIP Grandpa Narayana Reddy, the world has lost a hero#RIPGrandpa pic.twitter.com/qE0Sxdu0Xz — Robin Varghese (@chackochan_95) October 31, 2019 × On Patreon, a fundraising platform, the Granda Kitchen team described their modus operandi as ''[entertaining] people by cooking food and [donating] the proceeds to charities''. "Our goal is to provide basic necessities like food, clothing, school supplies and birthday gifts to the orphans", their statement on the website added.

Narayana Reddy, famous YouTube cook who fed the poor, passes away at 73

Scarred by a week of demonstrations, curfews and street closures, Iraqis flocked to supermarkets and petrol stations on Thursday to prepare for the following day's anticipated protests.

A wave of anti-government demonstrations swept Iraq earlier this month, with thousands taking to the streets against rampant corruption, mass unemployment and failing services.

Authorities imposed a curfew in the capital and several southern cities, shut down several key roads and severely restricted internet access.&nbsp;

Demonstrations often devolved into violence, with the government saying more than 150 people were killed between October 1 and 6.

But activists have called for renewed protests this Friday, prompting many to stockpile food, petrol and other supplies.&nbsp;

"People prefer to prepare some supplies in advance in order to be ready for whatever comes," said Abu Hamid, a retired army officer.&nbsp;

The 61-year-old was buying fruits and vegetables in Karrada, a commercial district in central Baghdad.&nbsp;

"We're afraid the roads will be closed, the internet and other communications will be cut, so we're mobilising," said Abu Hamid, who sported an imposing dark moustache.&nbsp;

Protests are expected to resume on Friday, both to mark a year since Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi took power and the deadline set by Iraq's highest Shiite authority for the embattled premier to respond to protester demands.

Prepared, and scared

In some neighbourhoods of Baghdad, store shelves were emptied and shopkeepers lowered their curtains for the day, while exchange shops cleared out their registers.&nbsp;

"We even emptied the safes and kept their doors open," one owner said, speaking under condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

"That way, if the situation deteriorates, looters would see that the safes are empty and won't destroy everything."

Even those who were thinking ahead were surprised to see they weren't the only ones.

Taxi driver Rassul headed to a shop on Wednesday to buy cooking gas canisters for his family&nbsp;and found a long queue ahead of him.

"We waited for three hours to buy the canisters," he told AFP, his hair slicked back by gel.

"Everybody wants to have enough to hold out for a week if the situation gets worse," said Rassul.

The price of gas canisters doubled in some areas during the earlier protests while everyday staples like tomatoes and eggs also got more expensive.

Petrol has also become a hot commodity, with some stations shuttered completely and others flooded by anxious drivers.&nbsp;

"I waited for an hour and a half on Wednesday to fill up," said Abir, an Arabic language professor who lives in the upmarket Baghdad district of Mansour.

Friday's demonstrations were invariably the talk of the town in Baghdad and elsewhere, but questions remained over how many would take to the streets this time and what the government response would be.&nbsp;

"We're scared for tomorrow, but we don't even know what we're supposed to be scared of," said Abir.

Scarred by a week of demonstrations, curfews and street closures, Iraqis flocked to supermarkets and petrol stations on Thursday to prepare for the following day's anticipated protests.

Scarred by a week of demonstrations, curfews and street closures, Iraqis flocked to supermarkets and petrol stations on Thursday to prepare for the following day's anticipated protests. A wave of anti-government demonstrations swept Iraq earlier this month, with thousands taking to the streets against rampant corruption, mass unemployment and failing services. Authorities imposed a curfew in the capital and several southern cities, shut down several key roads and severely restricted internet access. Demonstrations often devolved into violence, with the government saying more than 150 people were killed between October 1 and 6. But activists have called for renewed protests this Friday, prompting many to stockpile food, petrol and other supplies. "People prefer to prepare some supplies in advance in order to be ready for whatever comes," said Abu Hamid, a retired army officer. The 61-year-old was buying fruits and vegetables in Karrada, a commercial district in central Baghdad. "We're afraid the roads will be closed, the internet and other communications will be cut, so we're mobilising," said Abu Hamid, who sported an imposing dark moustache. Protests are expected to resume on Friday, both to mark a year since Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi took power and the deadline set by Iraq's highest Shiite authority for the embattled premier to respond to protester demands. Prepared, and scared In some neighbourhoods of Baghdad, store shelves were emptied and shopkeepers lowered their curtains for the day, while exchange shops cleared out their registers. "We even emptied the safes and kept their doors open," one owner said, speaking under condition of anonymity. "That way, if the situation deteriorates, looters would see that the safes are empty and won't destroy everything." Even those who were thinking ahead were surprised to see they weren't the only ones. Taxi driver Rassul headed to a shop on Wednesday to buy cooking gas canisters for his family and found a long queue ahead of him. "We waited for three hours to buy the canisters," he told AFP, his hair slicked back by gel. "Everybody wants to have enough to hold out for a week if the situation gets worse," said Rassul. The price of gas canisters doubled in some areas during the earlier protests while everyday staples like tomatoes and eggs also got more expensive. Petrol has also become a hot commodity, with some stations shuttered completely and others flooded by anxious drivers. "I waited for an hour and a half on Wednesday to fill up," said Abir, an Arabic language professor who lives in the upmarket Baghdad district of Mansour. Friday's demonstrations were invariably the talk of the town in Baghdad and elsewhere, but questions remained over how many would take to the streets this time and what the government response would be. "We're scared for tomorrow, but we don't even know what we're supposed to be scared of," said Abir.

Iraqis stockpile food as they gear up for new demonstrations

Despite producing more food than it can consume, humanity risks a menacing mix of "food crises" brought on by social inequalities, environmental degradation, climate change and wars, a UN report warned Friday.

After decades of steady decline, the number of people who suffer from hunger worldwide has been slowly increasing since 2015, said the report by the UN's Food and Agriculture (FAO) Organization, the European Commission and France's CIRAD agricultural research centre.

Last year, more than 820 million people went hungry.

A key obstacle is an unequal access: while some people throw away food they buy too much of, others cannot afford or find the nutrition they need, said the report entitled "Food Systems at Risk."

"The available food on the planet amounts to just under 3,000 kilocalories per person per day, while the nutritional needs of the population is estimated at about 2,200 kilocalories," said Sandrine Dury, an economist involved in the research.

There was also the question of quality, with too many people relying on calories from fat and sugar which are poor in vitamins and minerals.

People increasingly "suffer from obesity and dietary deficiencies at the same time", Dury said.

The report, presented to the FAO in Rome, warned that the problem of poor nutrition "will only get worse if current trends are not reversed."

The risks are many and multiplying.

The global population will expand from 7.7 billion in 2019 to 8.5 billion in 2030, mostly in already hungry Africa and Asia, piling pressure on limited available resources.

Urban populations will grow by 50 per cent by 2030, while rural ones by more than 20 per cent in some countries.

'Unsteady' food systems

Migration fuelled by conflicts and natural disasters, in turn worsened by global warming, will further exacerbate the situation, the report said.

"In general, food systems which are unsteady due to low food production capacities, low resilience, high pressure on resources and political insecurity generate more migrations and displacements," it said.

As more and more people are lifted out of poverty, there has been a higher demand for animal food products, the report noted.

This, in turn, has contributed to deforestation to make way for farms growing animals and their feed.&nbsp;

In a vicious cycle, shrinking forests mean fewer trees to absorb planet-warming carbon dioxide, accelerating climate change.

"The projected growing impact of global warming will certainly increase disaster-related displacements and potentially fuel social unrest and conflicts as populations migrate in the search for new land, water and food," the report said.

Despite producing more food than it can consume, humanity risks a menacing mix of "food crises" brought on by social inequalities, environmental degradation, climate change and wars, a UN report warned Friday.

Despite producing more food than it can consume, humanity risks a menacing mix of "food crises" brought on by social inequalities, environmental degradation, climate change and wars, a UN report warned Friday. After decades of steady decline, the number of people who suffer from hunger worldwide has been slowly increasing since 2015, said the report by the UN's Food and Agriculture (FAO) Organization, the European Commission and France's CIRAD agricultural research centre. Last year, more than 820 million people went hungry. A key obstacle is an unequal access: while some people throw away food they buy too much of, others cannot afford or find the nutrition they need, said the report entitled "Food Systems at Risk." "The available food on the planet amounts to just under 3,000 kilocalories per person per day, while the nutritional needs of the population is estimated at about 2,200 kilocalories," said Sandrine Dury, an economist involved in the research. There was also the question of quality, with too many people relying on calories from fat and sugar which are poor in vitamins and minerals. People increasingly "suffer from obesity and dietary deficiencies at the same time", Dury said. The report, presented to the FAO in Rome, warned that the problem of poor nutrition "will only get worse if current trends are not reversed." The risks are many and multiplying. The global population will expand from 7.7 billion in 2019 to 8.5 billion in 2030, mostly in already hungry Africa and Asia, piling pressure on limited available resources. Urban populations will grow by 50 per cent by 2030, while rural ones by more than 20 per cent in some countries. 'Unsteady' food systems Migration fuelled by conflicts and natural disasters, in turn worsened by global warming, will further exacerbate the situation, the report said. "In general, food systems which are unsteady due to low food production capacities, low resilience, high pressure on resources and political insecurity generate more migrations and displacements," it said. As more and more people are lifted out of poverty, there has been a higher demand for animal food products, the report noted. This, in turn, has contributed to deforestation to make way for farms growing animals and their feed. In a vicious cycle, shrinking forests mean fewer trees to absorb planet-warming carbon dioxide, accelerating climate change. "The projected growing impact of global warming will certainly increase disaster-related displacements and potentially fuel social unrest and conflicts as populations migrate in the search for new land, water and food," the report said.

Despite having enough food, humanity risks hunger 'crises': Report

UAE entities are expected to invest up to USD 7 billion in India's food sector in the next three years as part of the UAE-India food corridor project that aims to secure the UAE's food security, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Emirates News Agency, WAM.

These entities, coordinated by Dubai-based Emaar Group, plan to invest up to US$5 billion in mega food parks and similar facilities in various Indian cities, and up to US$2 billion in contract farming, sourcing of agro commodities and related infrastructure, Piyush Goyal had said on September 24.

Emaar in a statement issued to WAM on Tuesday said, "Emaar Group is coordinating with the Government of India in respect of the investment relating to food security in the UAE. The investment will be made by other UAE entities, the details of which will be declared at a later stage."

It was reported earlier that the idea of the joint food corridor for the UAE's food security was inspired by India's strategic petroleum reserve in Padur in south India, in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC. Likewise, the UAE could have a food reserve in India.

"They [UAE entities] have expressed their interest to invest up to USD 5 billion in mega food parks, logistics and warehouse hubs, fruits and vegetable hubs in various Indian cities, which would create 200,000 jobs across India," said the minister who was in the UAE earlier this week on an official visit.

The proposed projects are in various cities, such as mega food parks in Kutch in the western state of Gujarat and Aurangabad in the western state of Maharashtra, Goyal said.

A food park in Pawarkheda in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, logistics and warehouse hub in Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh, fruits and vegetable hub in Nashik and warehousing hub in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra are other projects, he explained.

The UAE entities plan to make an indicative investment up to USD2 billion in contract farming, sourcing of several agro commodities, setting up of food parks and other related infrastructure for food processing, the minister said.

They are considering western Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra for the proposed projects and the possibility of eight food parks is being currently evaluated, Goyal revealed.

The food export possibilities to the UAE and wider region are explored, which will turn into a win-win situation for both India and UAE, he said.

Reports in 2018 said that India had suggested to the UAE leadership it could be a partner in the UAE's food security.

Although India grows enough food for its 1.3 billion people, 30 per cent of that food is wasted for lack of appropriate infrastructure for storage, processing and transportation, which could be built by the UAE's investments.

The UAE can buy the food produced by the project at a cheaper price while Indian farmers will get a comparatively better price for their crops.

UAE entities are expected to invest up to USD 7 billion in India's food sector in the next three years as part of the UAE-India food corridor project that aims to secure the UAE's food security, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Emirates News Agency, WAM.

UAE entities are expected to invest up to USD 7 billion in India's food sector in the next three years as part of the UAE-India food corridor project that aims to secure the UAE's food security, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told Emirates News Agency, WAM. These entities, coordinated by Dubai-based Emaar Group, plan to invest up to US$5 billion in mega food parks and similar facilities in various Indian cities, and up to US$2 billion in contract farming, sourcing of agro commodities and related infrastructure, Piyush Goyal had said on September 24. Emaar in a statement issued to WAM on Tuesday said, "Emaar Group is coordinating with the Government of India in respect of the investment relating to food security in the UAE. The investment will be made by other UAE entities, the details of which will be declared at a later stage." It was reported earlier that the idea of the joint food corridor for the UAE's food security was inspired by India's strategic petroleum reserve in Padur in south India, in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC. Likewise, the UAE could have a food reserve in India. "They [UAE entities] have expressed their interest to invest up to USD 5 billion in mega food parks, logistics and warehouse hubs, fruits and vegetable hubs in various Indian cities, which would create 200,000 jobs across India," said the minister who was in the UAE earlier this week on an official visit. The proposed projects are in various cities, such as mega food parks in Kutch in the western state of Gujarat and Aurangabad in the western state of Maharashtra, Goyal said. A food park in Pawarkheda in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, logistics and warehouse hub in Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh, fruits and vegetable hub in Nashik and warehousing hub in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra are other projects, he explained. The UAE entities plan to make an indicative investment up to USD2 billion in contract farming, sourcing of several agro commodities, setting up of food parks and other related infrastructure for food processing, the minister said. They are considering western Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra for the proposed projects and the possibility of eight food parks is being currently evaluated, Goyal revealed. The food export possibilities to the UAE and wider region are explored, which will turn into a win-win situation for both India and UAE, he said. Reports in 2018 said that India had suggested to the UAE leadership it could be a partner in the UAE's food security. Although India grows enough food for its 1.3 billion people, 30 per cent of that food is wasted for lack of appropriate infrastructure for storage, processing and transportation, which could be built by the UAE's investments. The UAE can buy the food produced by the project at a cheaper price while Indian farmers will get a comparatively better price for their crops.

UAE entities to invest up to $7 billion in India-UAE food corridor: Piyush Goyal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-rise-ahead-of-inflation-data-infosys-drops-255739">India's retail inflation rose close to the central bank's medium-term target of 4 per cent&nbsp;in September</a> for the first time in 14 months, but analysts still predict a sharp economic slowdown will prompt a sixth consecutive interest rate cut in December.

Annual retail inflation rose to 3.99 per cent&nbsp;last month, driven by higher food prices, up sharply compared with 3.21 per cent&nbsp;in the previous month and higher than the 3.70 per cent&nbsp;forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts.

Retail food prices, which make up nearly half of India's inflation basket, increased 5.11 per cent&nbsp;in September from a year earlier, compared with 2.99 per cent&nbsp;in August.

Subdued inflation and an economic slowdown have allowed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut interest rates by a total of 135 basis points this year, including a 25-basis-point cut earlier this month, making it the most aggressive central bank in Asia.

The RBI said it expected inflation to stay below its medium-term target through to the early months of the 2020-21 fiscal year, while lowering its economic growth forecast to 6.1 per cent&nbsp;for the current year ending March 2020, from an earlier estimate of 6.9 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-inflation-surged-in-september-but-wont-bring-tears-to-rbi-report-254884">Economists said economic growth could fall as low as 5.8 per cent</a>, dragged down by a slump in consumer demand and investment, encouraging the RBI to cut rates for the sixth consecutive time at its next meeting in December.

Garima Kapoor, economist and vice-president at Elara Capital, said the arrival of the new crop in the market could ease food prices and so calm inflation, providing the RBI with the headroom to cut rates further.

"We expect the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) to cut the policy repo rate by another 50 basis points until March-2020 with 25 basis points cut in December," she said, referring to the central bank's benchmark interest rate.

Separately, figures released on Friday showed industrial output shrank 1.1 per cent&nbsp;in August, the worst performance in nearly seven years.

Annual wholesale price-based inflation eased to 0.33 per cent&nbsp;in September, from 1.08 per cent&nbsp;in the previous month, while economists in a separate Reuters poll said the central bank was not yet done with rate cuts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/inflation-under-control-clear-sign-of-revival-of-industrial-production-sitharaman-249667">India's unemployment rate was 7.16 per cent&nbsp;in September, compared with 6.47 per cent&nbsp;a year ago</a> and 8.2 per cent&nbsp;in the previous month, estimates from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based think-tank, showed.

The next decision from the RBI's monetary policy committee (MPC) is due on December&nbsp;5.

India's passenger vehicle sales slumped 23.7 per cent&nbsp;in September, the 11th straight month of declines, prompting an industry body to flag more job cuts if sales failed to pick up soon.

"All high-frequency indicators of demand indicate soft demand conditions," Kapoor said.

India's retail inflation rose close to the central bank's medium-term target of 4 per cent in September for the first time in 14 months, but analysts still predict a sharp economic slowdown will prompt a sixth consecutive interest rate cut in December.

India's retail inflation rose close to the central bank's medium-term target of 4 per cent in September for the first time in 14 months, but analysts still predict a sharp economic slowdown will prompt a sixth consecutive interest rate cut in December. Annual retail inflation rose to 3.99 per cent last month, driven by higher food prices, up sharply compared with 3.21 per cent in the previous month and higher than the 3.70 per cent forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts. Retail food prices, which make up nearly half of India's inflation basket, increased 5.11 per cent in September from a year earlier, compared with 2.99 per cent in August. Subdued inflation and an economic slowdown have allowed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut interest rates by a total of 135 basis points this year, including a 25-basis-point cut earlier this month, making it the most aggressive central bank in Asia. The RBI said it expected inflation to stay below its medium-term target through to the early months of the 2020-21 fiscal year, while lowering its economic growth forecast to 6.1 per cent for the current year ending March 2020, from an earlier estimate of 6.9 per cent. Economists said economic growth could fall as low as 5.8 per cent, dragged down by a slump in consumer demand and investment, encouraging the RBI to cut rates for the sixth consecutive time at its next meeting in December. Garima Kapoor, economist and vice-president at Elara Capital, said the arrival of the new crop in the market could ease food prices and so calm inflation, providing the RBI with the headroom to cut rates further. "We expect the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) to cut the policy repo rate by another 50 basis points until March-2020 with 25 basis points cut in December," she said, referring to the central bank's benchmark interest rate. Separately, figures released on Friday showed industrial output shrank 1.1 per cent in August, the worst performance in nearly seven years. Annual wholesale price-based inflation eased to 0.33 per cent in September, from 1.08 per cent in the previous month, while economists in a separate Reuters poll said the central bank was not yet done with rate cuts. India's unemployment rate was 7.16 per cent in September, compared with 6.47 per cent a year ago and 8.2 per cent in the previous month, estimates from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based think-tank, showed. The next decision from the RBI's monetary policy committee (MPC) is due on December 5. India's passenger vehicle sales slumped 23.7 per cent in September, the 11th straight month of declines, prompting an industry body to flag more job cuts if sales failed to pick up soon. "All high-frequency indicators of demand indicate soft demand conditions," Kapoor said.

India's retail inflation surges for first time in 14 months, rate cut hopes still high

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;is known to be a fan of fast food, but the fare at one of his hotels is more refined -&nbsp;the sushi restaurant at the Trump International Hotel in Washington has won a coveted Michelin Star.

The 2020 Michelin Guide to Washington, released on Tuesday, awarded Sushi Nakazawa one star, meaning editors believe the restaurant is "worth a stop."

According to the guide, "this intimate and elegant restaurant offers a laser focus on quality, seasonality and technique."

Chef Daisuke Nakazawa offers a 20-course meal and an Edomae sushi-style tasting menu, according to the restaurant's website, which says reservations must be made 30 days in advance.

Sushi Nakazawa has a controversial location as Trump has been accused of using his presidency to make money by promoting the hotel, just blocks from the White House, to visiting foreign delegations.

Jose Andres, a Spanish chef who runs a US dining empire, declined to open an outlet at the hotel after then-candidate Trump made disparaging comments about immigrants during the 2016 election.

Michelin's new Washington guide, its fourth edition in the US capital, bestowed 22 stars on 18 different restaurants, including a repeat of a prestigious three stars for the Inn at Little Washington, run by chef Patrick O'Connell.

"Our inspectors are especially impressed by the range and diversity of cuisine in Washington, DC, which reflects Washington's culture as a global crossroads for governments and travellers," Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump is known to be a fan of fast food, but the fare at one of his hotels is more refined - the sushi restaurant at the Trump International Hotel in Washington has won a coveted Michelin Star.

US President Donald Trump is known to be a fan of fast food, but the fare at one of his hotels is more refined - the sushi restaurant at the Trump International Hotel in Washington has won a coveted Michelin Star. The 2020 Michelin Guide to Washington, released on Tuesday, awarded Sushi Nakazawa one star, meaning editors believe the restaurant is "worth a stop." According to the guide, "this intimate and elegant restaurant offers a laser focus on quality, seasonality and technique." Chef Daisuke Nakazawa offers a 20-course meal and an Edomae sushi-style tasting menu, according to the restaurant's website, which says reservations must be made 30 days in advance. Sushi Nakazawa has a controversial location as Trump has been accused of using his presidency to make money by promoting the hotel, just blocks from the White House, to visiting foreign delegations. Jose Andres, a Spanish chef who runs a US dining empire, declined to open an outlet at the hotel after then-candidate Trump made disparaging comments about immigrants during the 2016 election. Michelin's new Washington guide, its fourth edition in the US capital, bestowed 22 stars on 18 different restaurants, including a repeat of a prestigious three stars for the Inn at Little Washington, run by chef Patrick O'Connell. "Our inspectors are especially impressed by the range and diversity of cuisine in Washington, DC, which reflects Washington's culture as a global crossroads for governments and travellers," Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said in a statement.

Trump Hotel's sushi restaurant wins Michelin Star

Outside the National Congress, hundreds of activists camped outside the Social Development Ministry building in Buenos Aires overnight, as they waited for deputies to deliberate over the bill that would declare a state of food emergency until 2022.

Argentina recession: Emergency food bill approved

Gravitas Future Feature: The Future of Food Industry

Gravitas: The era of food discounts may be over

Collectors from around the world began buying, trading and selling containers of brews Thursday at the 49th annual gathering of members of the Brewery Collectibles Club of America.

'Comic Con of beer collectors' marks 49th meeting

Global meat consumption must fall to curb global warming, reduce growing strains on land and water and improve food security, health, and biodiversity, a United Nations report on the effects of climate change concluded.

Global meat consumption must fall to curb global warming, reduce growing strains on land and water and improve food security, health, and biodiversity, a United Nations report on the effects of climate change concluded. Although the report stopped short of explicitly advocating going meat-free, it called for big changes to farming and eating habits to limit the impact of population growth and changing consumption patterns on stretched land and water resources. Plant-based foods and sustainable animal-sourced food could free up several million square kilometers of land by 2050 and cut 0.7-8.0 gigatonnes a year of carbon dioxide equivalent, the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said. "There are certain kinds of diets that have a lower carbon footprint and put less pressure on land," Jim Skea, professor at London's Imperial College, said on Thursday. The IPCC met this week in Geneva, Switzerland to finalize its report which should help to guide the government's meeting this year in Chile on ways to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement. "The IPCC does not recommend people's diets ... Dietary choices are very often shaped or influenced by local production practices and cultural habits," Skea, who is one of the report's authors, told reporters in Geneva. Land can be both a source and sink of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, and better land management can help to tackle climate change, the IPCC said. But it is not the only solution and cutting emissions from all sectors is essential to quickly curtail global warming. "The window for making these changes is closing fast. If there is a further delay in reducing emissions, we will miss the opportunity to successfully manage the climate change transition in the land sector," it said. Since the pre-industrial era, the land surface air temperature has risen by 1.53 degrees Celsius, twice as much as the global average temperature (0.87C), causing more heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rain, as well as land degradation and desertification. Human use directly affects more than 70 per cent of the global, ice-free land surface and agriculture accounts for 70 per cent of freshwater use, the IPCC added in the report. Agriculture, forestry and other land use activities accounted for 23 per cent of total net man-made greenhouse gas emissions from 2007-2016. When pre- and post-production activities in the food system are included, that rises to up to 37 per cent . Last year the IPCC's first special report warned that keeping the Earth's temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), rather than the 2C target agreed under the Paris accord, required rapid change across society. FOOD SECURITY The IPCC warned of more disruption to global food chains as extreme weather becomes more frequent due to climate change and said environmental costs should be factored into food. It projects a median increase of 7.6 per cent in cereal prices by 2050, meaning higher food prices and an increased risk of hunger. While an estimated 821 million people are undernourished, changing consumption habits have already contributed to about 2 billion adults being overweight or obese. Per capita supply of vegetable oils and meat has more than doubled based on data since 1961 but 25-30 per cent of the total food produced is still lost or wasted. Yields of crops such as maize and wheat have declined in some regions, while those of maize, wheat, and sugar beets have increased in others in recent decades. FOREST FACTOR While forests can soak up heat-trapping gases from the atmosphere, desertification and deforestation can amplify warming due to the loss of vegetation cover and soil erosion. Measures to cut emissions, such as the production of biofuels, biochar - made from biomass - as well as planting trees, will also increase demand for land conversion. Reducing deforestation and forest degradation could result in a reduction of 0.4-5.8 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent, the report said. The Amazon, about 60 per cent of which lies in Brazil, is sometimes called the "lungs of the world" due to the amount of CO2 it can absorb but it was not directly mentioned in the IPCC's summary for policymakers. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has supported opening up protected areas of the world's largest tropical rainforest to facilitate agriculture and mining since taking office in January. The report text is prepared by over 100 scientists but has to be approved by governments. In those discussions, Brazil and India were very active to protect their national agro-industrial interests, a source familiar with the talks said.

UN flags need to cut meat to curb land use impact on global warming

Cambodian Ouk Vanday is on a mission to put the piles of discarded rubbish around his neighbourhood to good use. He has built a cafe using stacks of beer bottles to make up a wall, and dead leaves to spell out the coffee shop's name -- 'Rubbish Cafe'.

Inside a Cambodian cafe built out of rubbish

A leading hotel chain has brought exquisite Thai cuisine to India's capital New Delhi..Watch to know more

Thai Food To Tickle Your Palate

In the last 40 years, India’s agricultural productivity has increased by 40 per cent to 500 per cent.&nbsp;

Availability of food, however, still remains a major concern because of poor packaging, inefficient traders, absence of sheltered storage and many more factors.&nbsp;

Among the many frequently faced challenges in the Indian food supply chain, the high volatility in the wholesale market ranks number one.&nbsp;

Owing to the massive size of the supply chain, quality control is another big hurdle. Seasonality and availability are also handicaps, although relatively smaller.&nbsp;

There are limited consolidators available who work with contractual rates; this poses another threat to the fluency of the chain.

There is no differentiation between the product cost and logistics cost, which results in an increase in the total cost of the produces. There are other major issues that impact the supply chain and food quality.

The fragmented nature of the food industry is a major obstacle in the entire supply chain as it consists of organised players like hotel chains and catering businesses, and unorganised players such as small food joints and restaurants. This results in an uneven volume demand and supply pattern.&nbsp;

Also, the involvement of third-party vendors in the supply chain creates a disruption in the flow, resulting in a price increase.

Sharp fluctuations in food price inflation have raised questions about the functioning of the Indian food supply chain itself. There is no standard tool or method to assess the fluctuation rate and predict future patterns. Hence the practice of forward-buying is not popular in India.

The supply chain’s lead time in India is impacted to a large extent by the absence of technology. The manual labour system in the country increases the cost of importing goods, e.g., the cost of importing a container in India is $500 as opposed to the $300 in foreign ports.

Only 6 per cent of the entire logistics network falls under the organised category in India. The lack of organised logistics acts as a barrier in the transportation of produce from the farms to the consumers.&nbsp;

Though the government has introduced 100 per cent FDI in the logistics sector and many organised players like DHL and TNT, among others, are coming in the market, the reach is limited only to the commercial areas. This is due to the poor infrastructure in the remote areas of the country. In India, the cold chain has not matured enough to procure products directly from the farmers; it is instead supplied by the wholesalers.&nbsp;

This results in many perishable products like exotic vegetables/fruits or dairy products losing their quality because of the time it takes to reach the consumers.&nbsp;

In turn, it impacts the farmers and the pricing of the product. The absence of private players has become one of the root causes of this poor structure.

One of the ways to curb the problem is to introduce supply chain partners into the system to address end-to-end delivery. The concept of having a single vendor is at a nascent stage and the government must encourage this concept and make way for the players by easing norms.

In India, some compliance is lost in the traditional route of buying from traders and wholesalers. Besides, there are many big players such as Big Basket, HyperPure by Zomato etc, who are present in the retail industry and are gradually foraying into the B2B space.&nbsp;

Here’s how they help solve some of the challenges. The sustainability of their business model is hinged on direct national sourcing capability and Farm to Fork models for fruit and vegetable chains and backward integration to mills and manufacturers for staples, therefore, eliminating middlemen and distributors.&nbsp;

The best infrastructure for storage, sorting and grading is needed. It is important to leverage technology-enabled end-to-end supply chain capabilities to optimise logistics, track fulfilment rates and share live dashboards.

The ability to forecast market fluctuations is a must. All these challenges result in higher cost and poor quality. Incorporating the aforementioned solutions can help smoothen the process and make things beneficial for both the stakeholders and the customers.&nbsp;

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-challenges-of-streamlining-food-supply-chain-management-2764954">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In the last 40 years, India’s agricultural productivity has increased by 40 per cent to 500 per cent. Availability of food, however, still remains a major concern because of poor packaging, inefficient traders, absence of sheltered storage and many more factors.

In the last 40 years, India’s agricultural productivity has increased by 40 per cent to 500 per cent. Availability of food, however, still remains a major concern because of poor packaging, inefficient traders, absence of sheltered storage and many more factors. Among the many frequently faced challenges in the Indian food supply chain, the high volatility in the wholesale market ranks number one. Owing to the massive size of the supply chain, quality control is another big hurdle. Seasonality and availability are also handicaps, although relatively smaller. There are limited consolidators available who work with contractual rates; this poses another threat to the fluency of the chain. There is no differentiation between the product cost and logistics cost, which results in an increase in the total cost of the produces. There are other major issues that impact the supply chain and food quality. The fragmented nature of the food industry is a major obstacle in the entire supply chain as it consists of organised players like hotel chains and catering businesses, and unorganised players such as small food joints and restaurants. This results in an uneven volume demand and supply pattern. Also, the involvement of third-party vendors in the supply chain creates a disruption in the flow, resulting in a price increase. Sharp fluctuations in food price inflation have raised questions about the functioning of the Indian food supply chain itself. There is no standard tool or method to assess the fluctuation rate and predict future patterns. Hence the practice of forward-buying is not popular in India. The supply chain’s lead time in India is impacted to a large extent by the absence of technology. The manual labour system in the country increases the cost of importing goods, e.g., the cost of importing a container in India is $500 as opposed to the $300 in foreign ports. Only 6 per cent of the entire logistics network falls under the organised category in India. The lack of organised logistics acts as a barrier in the transportation of produce from the farms to the consumers. Though the government has introduced 100 per cent FDI in the logistics sector and many organised players like DHL and TNT, among others, are coming in the market, the reach is limited only to the commercial areas. This is due to the poor infrastructure in the remote areas of the country. In India, the cold chain has not matured enough to procure products directly from the farmers; it is instead supplied by the wholesalers. This results in many perishable products like exotic vegetables/fruits or dairy products losing their quality because of the time it takes to reach the consumers. In turn, it impacts the farmers and the pricing of the product. The absence of private players has become one of the root causes of this poor structure. One of the ways to curb the problem is to introduce supply chain partners into the system to address end-to-end delivery. The concept of having a single vendor is at a nascent stage and the government must encourage this concept and make way for the players by easing norms. In India, some compliance is lost in the traditional route of buying from traders and wholesalers. Besides, there are many big players such as Big Basket, HyperPure by Zomato etc, who are present in the retail industry and are gradually foraying into the B2B space. Here’s how they help solve some of the challenges. The sustainability of their business model is hinged on direct national sourcing capability and Farm to Fork models for fruit and vegetable chains and backward integration to mills and manufacturers for staples, therefore, eliminating middlemen and distributors. The best infrastructure for storage, sorting and grading is needed. It is important to leverage technology-enabled end-to-end supply chain capabilities to optimise logistics, track fulfilment rates and share live dashboards. The ability to forecast market fluctuations is a must. All these challenges result in higher cost and poor quality. Incorporating the aforementioned solutions can help smoothen the process and make things beneficial for both the stakeholders and the customers. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Availability of food remains a major concern

Wholesale price-based inflation rose for the second consecutive month to 3.18 per cent in March on costlier food and fuel, government data released Monday showed.

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation was at 2.93 per cent in February. It was 2.74 per cent in March 2018.

Inflation in food articles hardened with a steep rise in prices of vegetables during March 2019.

Vegetable inflation was at 28.13 per cent in March, up from 6.82 per cent in the previous month. However, inflation in potato cooled substantially to 1.30 per cent, from 23.40 per cent in February.

Inflation in food articles basket was 5.68 per cent during March. 
Inflation in the 'Fuel and power' category also spiked to 5.41 per cent, from 2.23 per cent in February.

The Reserve Bank, which mainly factors in retail inflation for a monetary policy decision, had earlier this month cut interest rates by 0.25 per cent. 
Retail inflation accelerated to 2.86 per cent in March from 2.57 per cent a month ago, data released last week showed.

For the April-September period, the RBI has projected retail inflation at 2.9-3 per cent, mainly due to lower food and fuel prices as well as the expectation of a normal monsoon.

Wholesale price-based inflation rose for the second consecutive month to 3.18 per cent in March on costlier food and fuel, government data released Monday showed.

Wholesale price-based inflation rose for the second consecutive month to 3.18 per cent in March on costlier food and fuel, government data released Monday showed. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation was at 2.93 per cent in February. It was 2.74 per cent in March 2018. Inflation in food articles hardened with a steep rise in prices of vegetables during March 2019. Vegetable inflation was at 28.13 per cent in March, up from 6.82 per cent in the previous month. However, inflation in potato cooled substantially to 1.30 per cent, from 23.40 per cent in February. Inflation in food articles basket was 5.68 per cent during March. Inflation in the 'Fuel and power' category also spiked to 5.41 per cent, from 2.23 per cent in February. The Reserve Bank, which mainly factors in retail inflation for a monetary policy decision, had earlier this month cut interest rates by 0.25 per cent. Retail inflation accelerated to 2.86 per cent in March from 2.57 per cent a month ago, data released last week showed. For the April-September period, the RBI has projected retail inflation at 2.9-3 per cent, mainly due to lower food and fuel prices as well as the expectation of a normal monsoon.

WPI inflation spikes to 3.18 pc in March on costlier food, fuel

A frantic mother cradling her seven-month-old baby rushes towards the special paediatric ward in a desolate Pakistan town, his eyes are blank and he is smaller than most newborns.

He is starving in a country that has no shortage of food, but which has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world and where malnutrition is rife.

The infant weighs just 2.5 kilograms -- the average for a healthy child of that age is almost three times that.&nbsp;

His case is not unique for the doctors at the Mithi Civil Hospital in hunger-stricken Sindh province where millions survive on less than $1 a day.&nbsp;

Of the 150-250 patients who come in each day, roughly one fifth are suffering from malnutrition, Dr Dilip Kumar, head of the paediatric department, tells AFP.

Inside the ward, nine other malnourished infants are crying inside glass incubators. A young mother, Nazeeran, clutches the hand of her toddler.

"Her weight is dropping, even though we consulted many doctors," the 25-year-old says.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), a poverty and hunger watchdog, estimates around one in five of Pakistan's more than 200 million people are malnourished.&nbsp;

And yet, the nation is not short of food -- in fact, according to the US Department of Agriculture, it is projected to export 500,000 tons of wheat from May 2018 until April 2019, and 7.4 million tons of rice in the same period.

Dawn, the English-language daily newspaper, even reported a potato glut earlier this month.

Extreme deprivation&nbsp;

The issues, experts say, are socio-economic -- that is, just because food is available, does not mean people can access it.

"There are four key pillars of food security in Pakistan: The first is availability, then accessibility, utilisation and stability," says Dr Ambreen Fatima, senior research economist at the Applied Economic Research Centre of the Karachi University.

In Tharparkar, where Mithi Civil Hospital is, all four are lacking, she explains, adding that in other parts of the country they are present only to varying degrees.&nbsp;

"Pakistan is quite well off in wheat production," comments Dr Kaiser Bengali, a veteran economist, who has done field research on poverty and hunger in the country, but adds that much of it is sold for export.&nbsp;

This means ordinary people in the country may not have access to it, and if they do they may not have the resources to pay for it.&nbsp;

"Affordability is the biggest challenge here in Pakistan," he says.&nbsp;

Karachi is Pakistan's financial capital, but Bengali says he has seen alarming examples of poverty and deprivation there.

"In our surveys we came across the kids who had never eaten an apple, and when we offered him an apple he was reluctant to take the bite wondering whether it was an edible thing or not," Bengali reveals.

"In another case a family had never had eggs in their whole lives," he adds.

A survey of the state-run Planning Division in 2017 found that 40 per cent of Pakistan's population lives in multi-dimensional poverty.

That means they are not just short of money but are also facing a shortage of basic needs, including health, clean water, and electricity, among other factors -- all of which can impact their access to food.

Cycle of malnutrition&nbsp;

"Poor physical infrastructure, particularly in the remote rural areas throughout Pakistan is also a limitation on access to food and influences market prices," according to a recent statement from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

"This is also linked to inadequate water and sanitation, education and health service delivery, which together with the lack of awareness of appropriate dietary intake contributes to greater food insecurity and malnutrition."

Tharparkar district is frequently highlighted in Pakistan's media because of its high rate of child deaths, with politicians blaming the situation on drought -- but economists and physicians say that is not the sole explanation.

"Causes of malnutrition are multiple pregnancies, young-aged marriage, iron deficiency in mothers, (lack) of breastfeeding, weak immunization, and early weaning," Dr Kumar insists.

Bearing large numbers of children from a young age takes its toll on women's health, but also impacts the well-being of the foetus and ability to breastfeed a newborn.

In Pakistan, only 38 per cent of babies are fed breast milk exclusively during their first six months in line with UN recommendations.&nbsp;

This low figure is blamed on local traditions, the heavy workloads of mothers and powerful marketing by the milk industry.

Many mothers are told to feed their newborns tea, herbs, which can stunt growth. Some are unnecessarily persuaded to use formula instead of breastmilk by doctors.&nbsp;

This can introduce health problems if the water use to make it is unclean, or if poor families scrimp on the amount of powder to create the drink.

Sindh's high number of child deaths are the result of a vicious poverty cycle that begins with malnourished mothers, agrees Bengali.&nbsp;

He adds: "An infant is not fed with wheat or solid food."

A frantic mother cradling her seven-month-old baby rushes towards the special paediatric ward in a desolate Pakistan town, his eyes are blank and he is smaller than most newborns.

A frantic mother cradling her seven-month-old baby rushes towards the special paediatric ward in a desolate Pakistan town, his eyes are blank and he is smaller than most newborns. He is starving in a country that has no shortage of food, but which has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world and where malnutrition is rife. The infant weighs just 2.5 kilograms -- the average for a healthy child of that age is almost three times that. His case is not unique for the doctors at the Mithi Civil Hospital in hunger-stricken Sindh province where millions survive on less than $1 a day. Of the 150-250 patients who come in each day, roughly one fifth are suffering from malnutrition, Dr Dilip Kumar, head of the paediatric department, tells AFP. Inside the ward, nine other malnourished infants are crying inside glass incubators. A young mother, Nazeeran, clutches the hand of her toddler. "Her weight is dropping, even though we consulted many doctors," the 25-year-old says. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), a poverty and hunger watchdog, estimates around one in five of Pakistan's more than 200 million people are malnourished. And yet, the nation is not short of food -- in fact, according to the US Department of Agriculture, it is projected to export 500,000 tons of wheat from May 2018 until April 2019, and 7.4 million tons of rice in the same period. Dawn, the English-language daily newspaper, even reported a potato glut earlier this month. Extreme deprivation The issues, experts say, are socio-economic -- that is, just because food is available, does not mean people can access it. "There are four key pillars of food security in Pakistan: The first is availability, then accessibility, utilisation and stability," says Dr Ambreen Fatima, senior research economist at the Applied Economic Research Centre of the Karachi University. In Tharparkar, where Mithi Civil Hospital is, all four are lacking, she explains, adding that in other parts of the country they are present only to varying degrees. "Pakistan is quite well off in wheat production," comments Dr Kaiser Bengali, a veteran economist, who has done field research on poverty and hunger in the country, but adds that much of it is sold for export. This means ordinary people in the country may not have access to it, and if they do they may not have the resources to pay for it. "Affordability is the biggest challenge here in Pakistan," he says. Karachi is Pakistan's financial capital, but Bengali says he has seen alarming examples of poverty and deprivation there. "In our surveys we came across the kids who had never eaten an apple, and when we offered him an apple he was reluctant to take the bite wondering whether it was an edible thing or not," Bengali reveals. "In another case a family had never had eggs in their whole lives," he adds. A survey of the state-run Planning Division in 2017 found that 40 per cent of Pakistan's population lives in multi-dimensional poverty. That means they are not just short of money but are also facing a shortage of basic needs, including health, clean water, and electricity, among other factors -- all of which can impact their access to food. Cycle of malnutrition "Poor physical infrastructure, particularly in the remote rural areas throughout Pakistan is also a limitation on access to food and influences market prices," according to a recent statement from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). "This is also linked to inadequate water and sanitation, education and health service delivery, which together with the lack of awareness of appropriate dietary intake contributes to greater food insecurity and malnutrition." Tharparkar district is frequently highlighted in Pakistan's media because of its high rate of child deaths, with politicians blaming the situation on drought -- but economists and physicians say that is not the sole explanation. "Causes of malnutrition are multiple pregnancies, young-aged marriage, iron deficiency in mothers, (lack) of breastfeeding, weak immunization, and early weaning," Dr Kumar insists. Bearing large numbers of children from a young age takes its toll on women's health, but also impacts the well-being of the foetus and ability to breastfeed a newborn. In Pakistan, only 38 per cent of babies are fed breast milk exclusively during their first six months in line with UN recommendations. This low figure is blamed on local traditions, the heavy workloads of mothers and powerful marketing by the milk industry. Many mothers are told to feed their newborns tea, herbs, which can stunt growth. Some are unnecessarily persuaded to use formula instead of breastmilk by doctors. This can introduce health problems if the water use to make it is unclean, or if poor families scrimp on the amount of powder to create the drink. Sindh's high number of child deaths are the result of a vicious poverty cycle that begins with malnourished mothers, agrees Bengali. He adds: "An infant is not fed with wheat or solid food."

Millions malnourished in Pakistan despite abundance of food

The world this week, in pictures

Food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals is a mounting health hazard and a crippling economic burden, a global conference on food safety has been told.

The two-day forum is bringing together health bosses and experts from 125 countries to combat the peril of unsafe food, a hazard that kills more than 400,000 people each year, according to UN estimates.

"Today, the world produces enough food for everyone," Jose Graziano Da Silva, director general of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), said at the opening of the conference on Monday.

But much of this food "is not safe", he added.

"We estimate that each year, nearly one person in 10 falls sick after eating contaminated food," said Kazuaki Miyagishima, who heads the World Health Organization (WHO) food security department.

Of the 600 million people who fall sick from unsafe food, around 420,000 die, according to the UN's estimate.

Children under five suffer most, comprising 40 per cent of those who fall ill.

According to the WHO, contaminated food is to blame more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers — and the economic impact is huge but often overlooked.

The FAO estimates the cost for low and middle-income countries to be in the range of $95 billion (83.5 billion euros) per year.

The conference, attended by ministers and deputy ministers from some 20 countries, is expected to issue a call for better coordination and support.

"Africa has a major interest in this," said Miyagishima, adding the continent, followed by Southeast Asia, is the worst affected by contaminated food.

All-round approach&nbsp;

Miyagishima said a multi-pronged approach was needed.

This includes stronger laws, better training and equipment and beefing up health systems to detect potential risks and swap information countries, he said.

The risks are very diverse, ranging from bacteria such as salmonella or listeria to chemicals such as cancer-causing heavy metals and organic pollutants.

For countries facing drought or famine, the challenge is preventing the population from using water contaminated by cholera, or eating food unsuitable for consumption.

For countries trying to better respect international norms and export certain food products, Miyagishima warned of a "situation where exported food is of better quality than products destined for the local market".

In Europe, Miyagishima said there was a need for faster exchange of information between health authorities, recalling the 2017 contamination of eggs in the Netherlands, which were distributed to numerous countries.

The conference comes at a time of swelling controversy over the use of chemical products in agriculture, including the controversial weed-killer Roundup.

"Regulatory decisions, international or national, should be based on sound science," he said.

The UN in December announced the creation of a World Food Safety Day on June 7. 
&nbsp;

Food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals is a mounting health hazard and a crippling economic burden, a global conference on food safety has been told.

Food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals is a mounting health hazard and a crippling economic burden, a global conference on food safety has been told. The two-day forum is bringing together health bosses and experts from 125 countries to combat the peril of unsafe food, a hazard that kills more than 400,000 people each year, according to UN estimates. "Today, the world produces enough food for everyone," Jose Graziano Da Silva, director general of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), said at the opening of the conference on Monday. But much of this food "is not safe", he added. "We estimate that each year, nearly one person in 10 falls sick after eating contaminated food," said Kazuaki Miyagishima, who heads the World Health Organization (WHO) food security department. Of the 600 million people who fall sick from unsafe food, around 420,000 die, according to the UN's estimate. Children under five suffer most, comprising 40 per cent of those who fall ill. According to the WHO, contaminated food is to blame more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers — and the economic impact is huge but often overlooked. The FAO estimates the cost for low and middle-income countries to be in the range of $95 billion (83.5 billion euros) per year. The conference, attended by ministers and deputy ministers from some 20 countries, is expected to issue a call for better coordination and support. "Africa has a major interest in this," said Miyagishima, adding the continent, followed by Southeast Asia, is the worst affected by contaminated food. All-round approach Miyagishima said a multi-pronged approach was needed. This includes stronger laws, better training and equipment and beefing up health systems to detect potential risks and swap information countries, he said. The risks are very diverse, ranging from bacteria such as salmonella or listeria to chemicals such as cancer-causing heavy metals and organic pollutants. For countries facing drought or famine, the challenge is preventing the population from using water contaminated by cholera, or eating food unsuitable for consumption. For countries trying to better respect international norms and export certain food products, Miyagishima warned of a "situation where exported food is of better quality than products destined for the local market". In Europe, Miyagishima said there was a need for faster exchange of information between health authorities, recalling the 2017 contamination of eggs in the Netherlands, which were distributed to numerous countries. The conference comes at a time of swelling controversy over the use of chemical products in agriculture, including the controversial weed-killer Roundup. "Regulatory decisions, international or national, should be based on sound science," he said. The UN in December announced the creation of a World Food Safety Day on June 7.

Food safety on the table at world conference

What do you miss when you are not in India? Old Monk rum? Chicken curry? Arhar ki dal? Dosa and sambhar? It all depends on where you come from but one thing I do miss within 24 hours is masala maar ke.

You can have masala chai in the morning. You can have mirch pyaaz masala omelet later. You can have masala salami. You can have masala dosa.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can even have fresh fruits with fruit masala. Even orange juice can be spiked with masala.

You can have pan masala on your way to the office. Before you get down to work, you can have mirch masaledar gossip. On hot summer days you can have, lemonade with masala, Thumbs Up with masala and even lassi and mattha can be had with masala.

As Indians, we have masaledar food. We have garam masala, chaat masala, fruit masala etc.&nbsp;It is so spicy that even before your palate can have a taste of it, a worthy masaledar curry can overpower your nostrils in no time. You can have a masaledar pickle. Even the humble dal can&nbsp;be made&nbsp;masaledar with homemade bukunu - a mixture of several spices.&nbsp;

I will not go into the repertoire of non-vegetarian food. The masala can have a range from 1 to 10 but no food will be without masala. Even kebabs have the spice quotient. Even biryanis have the spice quotient. Even low profile paneer can be spiked with masala.

The evenings can be approached with fiesty chutney. It can be accompanied with spicy pakodas, masaledar samosa with chutney and I can go on and on. The dinner can be the same. It can be masaledar aalo. It can be masaldar mutton with masaledar raita with masaledar bhindi ki sabze.

This is what I miss. There is definitely a premium on clean flavours.&nbsp;&nbsp;A premium on layered flavour.

Today masala is a bad word which kills the potential of the original ingredient but the power and kick of it cannot be denied. It elevates the food to a different level. You do not need to research it. One needs to go inside the kitchen of an average Indian. Our masala is as diverse as the universe. This is what I miss when I’m abroad. The bang of the spice. The kick of the spice. The way it elevates food to a different level.

Food abroad is a teaching. It is a learning curve. It teaches you how spice represents the movement of different communities, religion, people, and ethnicities through the Indian sub-continent.

It brought not only spice but different techniques of cooking in India. It introduced different ways food could be preserved, steamed, grilled, deep fried etc. It made us richer and a better eater.

I have not even touched northeast and undocumented little cuisines spread throughout the country. The diversity of food which I think is represented through masala and new world food represents how movement of people had made India a richer country. A better country.

I have no superiority complex but every time I’m abroad, my palate&nbsp;reminds me of what&nbsp;I have left behind.&nbsp;It is the good masaledar food.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What do you miss when you are not in India? Old Monk rum? Chicken curry? Arhar ki dal? Dosa and sambhar? It all depends on where you come from but one thing I do miss within 24 hours is masala maar ke.

What do you miss when you are not in India? Old Monk rum? Chicken curry? Arhar ki dal? Dosa and sambhar? It all depends on where you come from but one thing I do miss within 24 hours is masala maar ke. You can have masala chai in the morning. You can have mirch pyaaz masala omelet later. You can have masala salami. You can have masala dosa. You can even have fresh fruits with fruit masala. Even orange juice can be spiked with masala. You can have pan masala on your way to the office. Before you get down to work, you can have mirch masaledar gossip. On hot summer days you can have, lemonade with masala, Thumbs Up with masala and even lassi and mattha can be had with masala. As Indians, we have masaledar food. We have garam masala, chaat masala, fruit masala etc. It is so spicy that even before your palate can have a taste of it, a worthy masaledar curry can overpower your nostrils in no time. You can have a masaledar pickle. Even the humble dal can be made masaledar with homemade bukunu - a mixture of several spices. I will not go into the repertoire of non-vegetarian food. The masala can have a range from 1 to 10 but no food will be without masala. Even kebabs have the spice quotient. Even biryanis have the spice quotient. Even low profile paneer can be spiked with masala. The evenings can be approached with fiesty chutney. It can be accompanied with spicy pakodas, masaledar samosa with chutney and I can go on and on. The dinner can be the same. It can be masaledar aalo. It can be masaldar mutton with masaledar raita with masaledar bhindi ki sabze. This is what I miss. There is definitely a premium on clean flavours. A premium on layered flavour. Today masala is a bad word which kills the potential of the original ingredient but the power and kick of it cannot be denied. It elevates the food to a different level. You do not need to research it. One needs to go inside the kitchen of an average Indian. Our masala is as diverse as the universe. This is what I miss when I’m abroad. The bang of the spice. The kick of the spice. The way it elevates food to a different level. Food abroad is a teaching. It is a learning curve. It teaches you how spice represents the movement of different communities, religion, people, and ethnicities through the Indian sub-continent. It brought not only spice but different techniques of cooking in India. It introduced different ways food could be preserved, steamed, grilled, deep fried etc. It made us richer and a better eater. I have not even touched northeast and undocumented little cuisines spread throughout the country. The diversity of food which I think is represented through masala and new world food represents how movement of people had made India a richer country. A better country. I have no superiority complex but every time I’m abroad, my palate reminds me of what I have left behind. It is the good masaledar food. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Masala maar ke: Elevating food across India

At least three million Afghans are in "urgent" need of food and could face famine if they do not get help, the United Nations warned Monday, as the war-torn country battles the worst drought in living memory.

A dry spell mainly across northern and western Afghanistan has devastated crops, livestock and water supplies, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

The drought comes at a terrible time for the country, which is already grappling with a 17-year conflict and preparing to hold a parliamentary election that is three years late.&nbsp;

The United Nations is spearheading international efforts to reach 2.5 million of the three million most in need of food by mid-December, UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan Toby Lanzer told AFP.

"Those people are surviving on less than one meal a day and in all likelihood that meal is bread and tea," Lanzer said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Lanzer said the three million people hardest hit were in the "emergency" phase four of a widely-used food insecurity index -- one level below famine.&nbsp;

The figure was "among the highest in the world" and required "the most urgent response".&nbsp;

"If we don't (reach them) there's a risk that these people go into level five," Lanzer said.&nbsp;

Aid groups distributed basic commodities, including wheat flour fortified with minerals, vegetable oil and lentils, to 600,000 people last month, Lanzer said.&nbsp;

They hope to reach another 600,000 by the end of October.&nbsp;

Another eight million people were in the "crisis" phase three of the food insecurity index, which includes people with "food consumption gaps with high or above usual acute malnutrition".

Lanzer said the figures were "far worse than we had anticipated" and he warned the situation could worsen as temperatures plummet during the winter months.

The drought affecting more than half of Afghanistan was triggered by a huge shortfall in snow and rain last winter.

Many of the displaced have set up makeshift tents in camps on the edge of urban areas, including the western city of Herat.&nbsp;

Afghan officials and foreign aid groups are struggling to meet demand for food, shelter and health services.&nbsp;

People at the camps told AFP in August they had been surviving on a diet of bread and tea for months because they did not have enough money to buy fruit, vegetables or meat.

At least three million Afghans are in "urgent" need of food and could face famine if they do not get help, the United Nations warned Monday, as the war-torn country battles the worst drought in living memory.

At least three million Afghans are in "urgent" need of food and could face famine if they do not get help, the United Nations warned Monday, as the war-torn country battles the worst drought in living memory. A dry spell mainly across northern and western Afghanistan has devastated crops, livestock and water supplies, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. The drought comes at a terrible time for the country, which is already grappling with a 17-year conflict and preparing to hold a parliamentary election that is three years late. The United Nations is spearheading international efforts to reach 2.5 million of the three million most in need of food by mid-December, UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan Toby Lanzer told AFP. "Those people are surviving on less than one meal a day and in all likelihood that meal is bread and tea," Lanzer said. Lanzer said the three million people hardest hit were in the "emergency" phase four of a widely-used food insecurity index -- one level below famine. The figure was "among the highest in the world" and required "the most urgent response". "If we don't (reach them) there's a risk that these people go into level five," Lanzer said. Aid groups distributed basic commodities, including wheat flour fortified with minerals, vegetable oil and lentils, to 600,000 people last month, Lanzer said. They hope to reach another 600,000 by the end of October. Another eight million people were in the "crisis" phase three of the food insecurity index, which includes people with "food consumption gaps with high or above usual acute malnutrition". Lanzer said the figures were "far worse than we had anticipated" and he warned the situation could worsen as temperatures plummet during the winter months. The drought affecting more than half of Afghanistan was triggered by a huge shortfall in snow and rain last winter. Many of the displaced have set up makeshift tents in camps on the edge of urban areas, including the western city of Herat. Afghan officials and foreign aid groups are struggling to meet demand for food, shelter and health services. People at the camps told AFP in August they had been surviving on a diet of bread and tea for months because they did not have enough money to buy fruit, vegetables or meat.

Three million Afghans in 'urgent' need of food: United Nations

Uttarakhand Finance Minister Prakash Pant is all set to present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year in the House on &nbsp;March 22.&nbsp;

All administrative preparations have been completed for the big day.

Pant will present the income-wage at four o&#39;clock in the evening. During this time he will also read the budget speech.&nbsp;

During this budget, the Uttrakhand government may decide to give free electricity connections to 40 million poor houses by 2022, with an aim at providing the home to every poor.&nbsp;

The Uttrakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat earlier tweeted on his official Twitter account, that they have set a clear roadmap and vision of the people to provide better health facilities, improve quality of education, develop infrastructure and increase the income of the farmers, is visible in the New India budget.

Rawat also highlighted &nbsp;that there are many announcements in FY19 budget, which are being initiated in Uttarakhand. The budget has been discussed to promote cluster-based farming, organic farming, and cultivation of plantation plants.&nbsp;

The Uttrakhand CM has inaugurated Chauras bridge over Alaknanda ji on March 19, at Shrinagar while en route Gairsain for the budget session of Uttarakhand legislative assembly.

For the first time, the budget session of the State Legislative Assembly is being organized in Gairsain. In the winter session held in Gairsain in December last, the government had come here with a supplementary budget. The program of the House from 20 to 24 March has been decided by the Working Group.&nbsp;

During this Budget, the Uttrakhand government may decide to give free electricity connections to 40 million poor houses by 2022, with an aim at providing the home to every poor

Uttarakhand Finance Minister Prakash Pant is all set to present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year in the House on March 22. All administrative preparations have been completed for the big day. Pant will present the income-wage at four o'clock in the evening. During this time he will also read the budget speech. During this budget, the Uttrakhand government may decide to give free electricity connections to 40 million poor houses by 2022, with an aim at providing the home to every poor. The Uttrakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat earlier tweeted on his official Twitter account, that they have set a clear roadmap and vision of the people to provide better health facilities, improve quality of education, develop infrastructure and increase the income of the farmers, is visible in the New India budget. Rawat also highlighted that there are many announcements in FY19 budget, which are being initiated in Uttarakhand. The budget has been discussed to promote cluster-based farming, organic farming, and cultivation of plantation plants. The Uttrakhand CM has inaugurated Chauras bridge over Alaknanda ji on March 19, at Shrinagar while en route Gairsain for the budget session of Uttarakhand legislative assembly. For the first time, the budget session of the State Legislative Assembly is being organized in Gairsain. In the winter session held in Gairsain in December last, the government had come here with a supplementary budget. The program of the House from 20 to 24 March has been decided by the Working Group.

What to expect from 2018 Uttarakhand budget

Ahdoos Hotel and Restaurant began its journey a century ago in the city center of Srinagar. Back in 1918, it was a standalone bakery shop running its operations from a small outlet on Srinagar&#39;s Residency Road.

Ahdoos has witnessed many turns of history. It bore witness to the bloody Partition. After India&rsquo;s Independence, it became a nerve centre for political and social conversations concerning the Kashmir Valley.

Then, during the militancy of the early 90&rsquo;s, it served as a welcoming hub for reporters travelling to Kashmir to report on the Kashmir conflict. Room boys would serve piping hot dinner to working journalists at any time of night and a fax machine was available at all odd hours to file stories and meet deadlines.

And now, tourists from across the world flock to Ahdoos for a taste of the famous and sumptuous Wazwan cuisine of Kashmir.

Ahdoos&#39;s customers say that the 100-year-old establishment is synonymous to Kashmir. However, and during the last three decades, it rose to prominence chiefly due to the insurgency and conflict. When every other hotel in Srinagar closed its doors to visitors, Ahdoos remained open. Journalists would throng to stay here and file their dispatches on the violence and conflict. The third generation owner of Ahdoos proudly says that even during those dark days, the hotel&#39;s business didn&rsquo;t stop or miss a single beat.

As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoo&#39;s owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India. As a franchise, Ahdoos will soon set up shop in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The famous Ahdoos bakery will now be known as Creme.

For many government officials, bureaucrats, politicians and security officers, Ahdoos has become a cherished habit. And now, the management is taking on the challenge of meeting the tastes of the younger generation too.

&nbsp;

As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoos' owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India

Ahdoos Hotel and Restaurant began its journey a century ago in the city center of Srinagar. Back in 1918, it was a standalone bakery shop running its operations from a small outlet on Srinagar's Residency Road. Ahdoos has witnessed many turns of history. It bore witness to the bloody Partition. After India’s Independence, it became a nerve centre for political and social conversations concerning the Kashmir Valley. Then, during the militancy of the early 90’s, it served as a welcoming hub for reporters travelling to Kashmir to report on the Kashmir conflict. Room boys would serve piping hot dinner to working journalists at any time of night and a fax machine was available at all odd hours to file stories and meet deadlines. And now, tourists from across the world flock to Ahdoos for a taste of the famous and sumptuous Wazwan cuisine of Kashmir. Ahdoos's customers say that the 100-year-old establishment is synonymous to Kashmir. However, and during the last three decades, it rose to prominence chiefly due to the insurgency and conflict. When every other hotel in Srinagar closed its doors to visitors, Ahdoos remained open. Journalists would throng to stay here and file their dispatches on the violence and conflict. The third generation owner of Ahdoos proudly says that even during those dark days, the hotel's business didn’t stop or miss a single beat. As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoo's owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India. As a franchise, Ahdoos will soon set up shop in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The famous Ahdoos bakery will now be known as Creme. For many government officials, bureaucrats, politicians and security officers, Ahdoos has become a cherished habit. And now, the management is taking on the challenge of meeting the tastes of the younger generation too.

Bite of history: Srinagar's iconic restaurant turns 100

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