As much as 18 per cent of cooked food gets wasted in the city, a research by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, revealed. The figure could be higher now considering the study was undertaken two years ago, according to Karnataka Lekakiyara Sangha president Vasundhara Bhupathi.
Highlighting the research findings at a press conference here on Tuesday, she spoke about the programmes lined up for World Food Day which is observed on October 16. The day would be used to underscore the significance of not wasting food, she said, adding that the programme is being organised by the Food Conservation Campaign Committee, Madikeri, in association with the Karnataka State Science Council and the Karnataka Lekakiyara Sangha.
A public rally on the theme ‘Right to eat, not to waste’ will be organised. The rally, led by freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy, includes people from all walks of life such as writers G. Ramakrishna, M.R. Nagaraj, S.D. Siddaramaiah, Marulasiddappa, environmentalist Suresh Heblikar, former Minister B.T. Lalitha Nayak, women’s organisations, college and school students and art troupes. It will commence from Malleswaram Grounds at 10 a.m. and will reach Freedom Park on Seshadri Road, where a public programme would be held after 12 p.m., Ms. Bhupathi added.
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Elaborating on the study findings, Ms. Bhupathi said that 75 marriage halls in Bangalore were part of the research. Out of the 17.48 per cent food that goes wasted a year, 8 per cent is not even served. The value of the total wasted food could be a staggering Rs. 140.15 crore.
Former Minister Lalitha Nayak said that the awareness programme on food wastage may help curb wastage. “When large number of people are starving for food, each grain of rice is of utmost importance,” she said.