South Asia

South Asia’s steady progress toward economic transformation has reshaped the region’s diverse food systems over the past decade. This regional transformation has been marked by strong economic growth, rising real wages, and the expansion of nonagricultural sectors. The share of agriculture in national GDP has, on average, declined by 15 percent, and the share of nonfarm employment has now surpassed that of farm employment. As these structural changes continue, the policy challenge lies in ensuring that food system transformation is inclusive and sustainable.