Severe hunger is looming over Orissa - Dr. Subas Mohapatra

At this writing, as we are fighting for or against mining rights, government inefficiency/corruption, and genetically modified crops, and better institutions of higer education in Orissa, many parts of the world have already fallen victim to hunger. I am sure many of you have collected your own information/misinformation on this. I am giving the following citations for your convenience if you have not already read them:

1. How Hunger Could Topple Regimes By TONY KARON Mon Apr 14, 10:00 AM ET

2.News observer: Threat of hunger grows

3.news observer: World Food Program warns of silent tsunami of hunger Bookmark By DAVID STRINGER, Associated Press Writer

I have full-length news clips for each of the above. I will be happy to send them to those who request.

I have no doubt that many more countries/communities are soon going to fall victim to hunger. The reason is not going to be lack of food production, although it has become a major concern in India, for which India has halted export of many agricultural products. Rather, the main reason is going to be lack of timely food distribution due to skyrocketing fuel price.

The challenge for us Orissans (in Orissa or outside Orissa) is to help Orissa escape this calamity. If we faile to take action now, the storm of hunger is going to hit Orissa before we realize, if it is not happenign already. It will be a mistake for us to believe that our failed government will tackle this problem with intelligence and urgency. However, we have much better alternatives in our numerous NGOs, who can do a much better job faster.

In absence of timely food distribution, the effective strategy is to promote local food production. This is particularly true for people who are potential victims of hunger. In view of the fact that only 400 to 500 calories are needed per person to prevent hunger among adults (and much less for children), this can be done easily through IAFF's "hunger mitigation modules".

IAFF has all the needed resources, not to eradicate mass hunger but to set up demonstration units at strategic locations in Orissa through the collaboration of NGOs through its "DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT GOVERNMENT" program. Therefore, this is not an appeal for money (which those in the USA can send as tax-deductible donations). Instead, this is an appeal to you all to mobilize the existing infrastructure (i.e. the NGOs) in collaboration with IAFF so we can protect Orissa from not only imminent hunger, but also from the waves of violence that is taking place elsewhere in the world. Please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested.

I wish to inform you that I am scheduled to travel to Haiti in the first week of June to set up some of the Hunger mitigation modules. As some of you already know, the government in Haiti has already fallen and violent clashes are taking place due to food shortages and severe hunger.