Future on Our Plates: Rethinking Food Systems in South Asia
South Asia is the most densely populated region in the world, with a current population of 1.8 billion (one-fourth of the global population), which is projected to increase to more than 2 billion by 2050. This rapid population growth will put significant pressure on agriculture and food systems. Despite being an agricultural powerhouse, South Asia has high levels of food insecurity, with many people suffering from malnutrition and hunger. It is also among the region’s most vulnerable to climate change. It relies heavily on intensive farming practices, leading to several challenges in agriculture and food systems that bear directly on food production and security. Further, the highest concentration of agrifood system workers is in South Asia, with 793 million people. South Asia is also home to more than 600 million young people (ages 15–35), who make up around one-half of all agrifood system workers.
How Can We Prepare South Asia’s Food Systems for the Future?
By 2050, South Asia will be home to over 2 billion people. Feeding this growing population is one of the region’s biggest challenges. A recent chapter, “What Do We Know About the Future of Food Systems in South Asia?” co-authored by scientists from CIMMYT and ICRISAT outlines what lies ahead for agriculture and food systems in South Asia and what can be done to secure a better food future.
A Region of High Potential and High Pressure
South Asia is a key contributor to the global food supply. Yet, many people here still face hunger, poverty, and malnutrition. The region is also one of the most vulnerable to climate change. These pressures are made worse by overuse of water, degraded soils, and changing diets.
Today, more people are moving away from traditional diets of cereals like rice and wheat. Processed foods and animal products are on the rise. While this shift can improve nutrition, it also increases the risk of obesity and diseases. At the same time, nutrient-rich foods remain too expensive for many, especially low-income families.
Caption: Chili plantation in irrigation constraint area, West Bengal, India
The Environmental Cost of Current Farming Practices
Farming in South Asia relies heavily on groundwater. But water is being used faster than it can be replenished. Crop residue burning and fertilizer overuse are damaging air quality and soil health. A large portion of land lies unused after the main cropping season, which is a missed opportunity for boosting food supply.
Climate Change Will Hit Food Hard
Climate change is already affecting the region’s food systems. Yields of rice, wheat, and maize are expected to fall by 2050. This will happen just as food demand is expected to rise more than anywhere else in the world.
The poorest people will suffer the most. Rising food prices will make it harder to access basic nutrition. Even though some farmers may benefit from higher prices for their crops, overall food insecurity will grow.
Caption: Zero tillage maize farming in Koshi, Nepal
What Can Be Done?
There is hope. Research suggests that more diverse diets are possible. If done right, South Asia could see a 46% increase in nutrient availability by 2050. Food systems will need to shift from cereals to include more fruits, vegetables, pulses, and animal products.
Several strategies can help:
Crop diversification: From cereal-centric production to more diverse cropping systems
Smarter irrigation: Reducing dependence on groundwater and using water more efficiently.
Cleaner practices: Cutting down on residue burning and nitrogen pollution.
Technology and innovation: Scaling up climate-smart farming tailored to each country’s needs.
Preparing for the Unexpected
§ Past crises like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war exposed how fragile global food systems can be. South Asia must reduce its reliance on food imports and focus more on local production of key crops like pulses and oilseeds.
§ At the same time, more research is needed to understand how consumer behavior, urbanization, and informal food systems affect what people eat. This knowledge can guide policies that make nutritious food more accessible and agriculture more sustainable.
Caption: A farmer evaluating the mustard crop yield in West Bengal, India.
A Call for Action
To build resilient and sustainable food systems in South Asia, we must:
Invest in region-specific research and solutions
Support smallholder farmers with better policies and market access
Prepare for climate and economic shocks
Shift towards diets that are healthy for people and the planet
ACIAR (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) has been a longstanding partner in supporting agricultural development in South Asia. Through its investments, ACIAR is helping improve food security, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability across the region by funding collaborative research projects with local partners such as CGIAR – CIMMYT, IFPRI, and many national and NGO partners. Some of the ongoing projects, RUPANTAR, PARIBARTAN, and Additive intercropping in wide row crops for resilient crop production in Bangladesh, Bhutan and India, among others, are aimed at transforming smallholder food systems in the region.
South Asia has the knowledge, land, and people power to rise to the challenge. But acting now is key to shaping a future where no one goes hungry.