IFPRI and ICAR convene South Asia Dialogue on food policy

§ Spotlights priorities for resilient, healthy and inclusive food systems

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FOOD systems lie at the heart of sustainable development. They influence how people produce, access, and consume food and are intricately tied to livelihoods, public health, natural ecosystems, and economic growth. For South Asia, where a large share of the population remains dependent on agriculture and food-related services, strengthening food systems is both a developmental and strategic priority.

Against this backdrop, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), convened a high-level regional policy dialogue, “Food Policy for a Changing World: Lessons and Priorities for South Asia,” on 16 September, in New Delhi. The event also marked the South Asia launch of IFPRI’s 2025 Global Food Policy Report (GFPR).

The dialogue brought together senior policymakers, researchers, and development partners to reflect on how South Asia can secure resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems amid mounting pressures of climate change, malnutrition, and demographic transitions.