Regional Stakeholders Consultation on Food Systems Transformation in Northeast India Highlights the Need for Region-Specific Policies

The Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) India, in collaboration with the Balipara Foundation, hosted a regional stakeholders consultation aimed at driving integrated action towards transforming food systems in India. The event, held at Vivanta, Guwahati, brought together 42 participants from various sectors across Northeast India, creating a platform for discussing policy reforms, addressing gaps, and exploring governance mechanisms crucial for food systems transformation.
This one-day consultation, focusing on the food systems of Northeast India, was part of a broader initiative to adapt the global recommendations of the Food Systems Economic Commission (FSEC) to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The consultation highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous and local food systems to ensure food security and nutritional needs are met through the region’s rich biodiversity.
A recurring challenge identified by the participants was the one-size-fits-all approach to policy-making at the national level, which often overlooks the unique food systems in different regions. The stakeholders emphasized the necessity for region-specific policies that reflect the diversity of food systems in Northeast India, which are deeply rooted in the region’s biodiversity and cultural practices.
“When considering the way forward, if we aim to save the world—biodiversity is the pillar. The greater the diversity, the better our chances of overcoming challenges”, said Dr. Dhrupad Choudhury, Former Chief, Scaling Operations at International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. “For food systems transformation to be effective, we need policies that are tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities in Northeast India”, said one participant.
The consultation also focused on translating the global recommendations of the FSEC into actionable strategies that can be implemented at the country level. Participants from various sectors, including agriculture, conservation, rural development, and policy-making, contributed their insights on how to achieve a sustainable food system transformation in India.
The FOLU India and Balipara Foundation collaboration marks a significant step towards fostering a sustainable and inclusive food system in Northeast India. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, this consultation has laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at empowering local communities, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security through region-specific policy reforms.