What do we know about the future of food systems in South Asia?

Nedumaran, Swamikannu; Thomas, Judy; Nandi, Ravi; Padmanabhan, Jyosthnaa; and Afari-Sefa, Victor. 2025. What do we know about the future of food systems in South Asia? In What do we know about the future of food systems? eds. Keith Wiebe and Elisabetta Gotor. Part Two: What Do We Know About the Future of Food System in Selected Regions? Chapter 20, Pp. 115-120. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/175457

Micronutrient availability in South Asia is projected to increase by 46 percent by 2050, reflecting a significant transition from traditional cereal-based diets to diverse, nutrient-rich foods, though affordability limits access for low-income groups.

The shift from traditional diets to processed foods has led to an increase in obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Rising demand for animal-source foods also puts pressure on local resources and increases reliance on imports.

Agriculture in South Asia relies heavily on freshwater, primarily groundwater, which is critically overused. Additionally, soil degradation and the burning of crop residues contribute to air pollution and pose risks to the sustainability and productivity of the region’s agricultural land.

Climate change is expected to significantly affect crop yields, particularly for staples such as rice, wheat, and maize, with projected reductions by 2050. This climate impact will exacerbate food insecurity in the region, especially as food demand continues to grow.

Current foresight studies often overlook the impacts of unexpected external shocks, such as pandemics and the Russia-Ukraine war, on agriculture and food systems. Addressing these research gaps and focusing on context-specific technological solutions, climate-smart practices, and self-sufficiency could enhance resilience and sustainability across South Asia’s agrifood sector.