World Food Day
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 16, 1981 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 1 |
| Quantity | 2000000 |
| Perforation | comb 14 x 14½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 881 Stamp Number IN 934 Yvert et Tellier IN 684 Stanley Gibbons IN 1018 |
| Themes | Agriculture | Crops | F.A.O. | Food | Seals(Emblems) | |
Food is not just a necessity for human survival; it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of well-being. On this World Food Day, observed today on October 16, 1981, the aim is to raise public awareness about the nature and scope of the world food problem and to strengthen national and international solidarity in the fight against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Despite strides in progress, it’s estimated that at least one out of nine people still suffers from severe malnourishment. Moreover, while the global population is growing at a rate of 2% per year, per capita food supplies are decreasing in many countries, and global food stocks are low.
The World Food Conference in 1974 had set a bold target: by 1984, no child, woman, or man should go to bed hungry, and no human being’s potential should be stunted by malnutrition. However, the challenges of providing a balanced and adequate diet for the world’s population have only intensified since then. World Food Day seeks to draw attention to agricultural production in all nations and promote the participation of rural communities in decisions affecting their development. It’s a day to assess the extent of world hunger, understand its persistence, and explore ways to overcome it. It’s also a time to honor those who work the land to produce food.
To achieve the objectives of World Food Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has devised a comprehensive set of activities, in which India, as an active member, enthusiastically participates. Efforts have been directed towards providing food for millions, exemplified by initiatives like the Green Revolution, which introduced high-yielding seed strains and improved agricultural practices, significantly increasing food production and moving towards self-sufficiency in food. Similarly, Operation Flood, launched in 1970, organized India’s dairy industry to boost milk and milk product supply at reasonable costs. These and other initiatives have substantially improved the food situation in India, supported by a national network for storage and food distribution.
On this occasion, the Indian Post & Telegraph Department is honored to issue a special postage stamp, marking the importance of World Food Day.