Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has said it is necessary to build resilient individuals, households and communities to manage disasters. He spoke through video conferencing in the consultation on 'Science for Resilient Food, Nutrition and Livelihoods' being organized by the Chennai-based Dr M.S. Swaminathan Foundation.<br />''<br />''The Vice President observed that the prevailing pandemic may aggravate hunger and undernourishment because of the loss of livelihoods and global economic slowdown. However, he said, healthy, socially connected and well-prepared people can counter disasters comparatively much easier.<br />''<br />''Mr Venkaiah Naidu said much of the recent increase in global food insecurity can be attributed to the greater number of conflicts, compounded by climate-related shocks, degradation of natural resources and water scarcity. He said even in some peaceful settings, food security has deteriorated as a result of economic slowdowns threatening access to food for the poor.<br />''<br />''However, the Vice President noted that India has made significant strides in reducing hunger, undernourishment and infant mortality in the recent years. He listed some of the initiatives that are underway including the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, POSHAN Abhiyan and the real-time, Aadhar linked beneficiary level monitoring. He said the recently announced Education Policy includes a provision to provide a nutritious breakfast to school children.<br />''<br />''Mr Venkaiah Naidu said a concerted action by the public, civil society, Panchayati raj institutions and states and central governments are required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  He noted that international cooperation will help to accelerate progress and in achieving lasting success.    <br />''<br />''The veteran and the world renowned agricultural scientist Dr MS Swaminathan in his address insisted that women should be given more roles and landholding rights to improve agriculture.<br />