Food Waste Reduction and Sustainable Food Systems: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Directions
Swetha B. S.
College of Horticulture, UHS-B Campus, GKVK Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Itigi Prabhakar *
Regional Office, UHS-B Campus, GKVK Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Veeresh
ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, 560089, Karnataka, India.
Shivanand D. Ainapur
Department of PSMA, College of Horticulture, UHS B Campus, GKVK Bengaluru, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Food waste is a pressing global concern with profound economic, environmental, and social implications. This paper explores strategies to mitigate food waste across the food supply chain, from production to consumption. We delve into innovative technologies, policy interventions, and behavioral changes aimed at reducing food waste. Additionally, we address the challenges and complexities of food waste reduction efforts, including the need for systemic changes and the role of consumer behavior. Five subheadings, spanning topics such as food recovery, circular economy approaches, and sustainable agriculture, provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted issue of food waste. This paper underscores the urgency of addressing food waste as an integral part of building sustainable food systems for the future.
Keywords: Food waste reduction, sustainable food systems, food recovery, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, consumer behavior