Food Security in India
Chapter 4
Exercises.
1. How is food security in India?
Ans: Food security in India is a complex issue with both progress and challenges. India has made significant strides in improving food production and has achieved self-sufficiency in grain production. However, poverty, inequality, and malnutrition remain widespread.
Progress in food security
India has made notable progress in improving food security in recent decades. The country has achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production, and the prevalence of undernourishment has declined significantly. The Public Distribution System (PDS) provides subsidized food grains to a large portion of the population, and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 further strengthened the government's commitment to food security.
Challenges to food security
Despite these achievements, India still faces significant challenges in ensuring food security for all its citizens. Poverty, inequality, and malnutrition remain widespread. According to the World Bank, about 22% of Indians live below the national poverty line. This means that they cannot afford to meet their basic needs, including food.
Malnutrition is another major challenge in India. According to UNICEF, about 43% of children under five are stunted, meaning they are too short for their age. This is a serious problem that can have long-term consequences for children's health and development.
Other challenges to food security in India include:
.Climate change: Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on food production in India, increasing the frequency and severity of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.
.Post-harvest losses: India loses a significant amount of food after harvest due to poor storage and transportation infrastructure.
.Inefficient food distribution system: The Public Distribution System (PDS) is often inefficient and corrupt, leading to the diversion of food grains from those who need them most.
Government initiatives to address food security
The Indian government has implemented a number of initiatives to address food security challenges. These initiatives include:
.The National Food Security Act (NFSA): The NFSA provides subsidized food grains to about 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.
.The Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme provides hot meals to over 120 million children in schools across India.
.Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): ICDS provides supplementary nutrition, pre-school education, and immunization services to children under six.
Way forward
Ensuring food security for all Indians will require a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. It also means strengthening the Public Distribution System and improving food processing and preservation techniques.
In addition to these measures, the government should also focus on promoting sustainable agriculture practices that can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change. By investing in research and development, the government can help to develop crop varieties that are more resistant to drought and other environmental stresses.
Addressing food security in India is a complex challenge, but it is one that the country must overcome in order to achieve its full potential. By implementing the necessary measures, India can ensure that all its citizens have access to the food they need to live healthy and productive lives.
2. Which are the people more prone to food insecurity?
Ans: Several factors contribute to food insecurity, making certain groups more vulnerable than others. These factors include:
.Poverty: People living in poverty often lack the financial resources to afford adequate food. They may have to prioritize other expenses, such as housing or healthcare, leaving little money for food.
.Inequality: Inequality in income and access to resources can exacerbate food insecurity. Wealthier individuals and communities have greater access to nutritious food and are less likely to experience hunger.
.Location: People living in rural areas, particularly those in remote or marginalized communities, may have limited access to food markets and distribution systems. They may also face challenges in producing their own food due to factors such as poor soil quality or lack of irrigation.
.Social marginalization: Certain groups, such as women, children, minorities, and indigenous peoples, may face discrimination and social exclusion, making them more susceptible to food insecurity.
.Conflict and displacement: People living in conflict-affected areas or those displaced due to natural disasters or other emergencies may have limited access to food and may be more vulnerable to malnutrition.
.Disabilities and chronic illnesses: People with disabilities or chronic illnesses may face additional challenges in accessing food due to physical or financial limitations.
.Women-headed households: Women-headed households are often more vulnerable to food insecurity due to factors such as lower incomes, discrimination in landownership, and limited access to social safety nets.
.Children under five: Children under five are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to their rapid growth and development needs. They are also more susceptible to infections, which can worsen their nutritional status.
Addressing food insecurity requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of poverty and inequality. It also requires targeted interventions to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups.
3. Which states are more food insecurity in India?
Ans: The states with the highest levels of food insecurity in India are:
State
Jharkhand
Bihar
Odisha
West Bengal
Uttar Pradesh (eastern and south-eastern parts)
Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh (parts)
Maharashtra (parts)
These states are located in the eastern and central parts of India, and they are characterized by high levels of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. As a result, people in these states are more likely to be malnourished and to lack access to adequate food.
The Indian government has implemented a number of programs to address food insecurity, including the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). However, these programs have not been able to fully address the problem of food insecurity in India.
4. Do you believe that green revolution has made India self-sufficient in food grains? How?
Ans: Yes, the Green Revolution played a significant role in making India self-sufficient in food grains. The introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, along with the adoption of modern agricultural practices, led to a substantial increase in food grain production in the country.
Key factors contributing to India's self-sufficiency in food grains:
1. Introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): The introduction of HYVs of wheat and rice, particularly the dwarf varieties, was a crucial turning point in India's agricultural landscape. These varieties were more resistant to lodging, allowing for the application of higher doses of fertilizers without the risk of the plants falling over. This led to a significant increase in crop yields.
2. Adoption of Modern Agricultural Practices: The Green Revolution also promoted the adoption of modern agricultural practices, such as the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems. These practices further enhanced crop productivity and helped to stabilize agricultural production.
3. Government Support and Infrastructure Development: The Indian government played a crucial role in supporting the Green Revolution through various initiatives, including providing subsidies for fertilizers and seeds, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and establishing agricultural research institutions.
4. Improved Agricultural Extension Services: The government also strengthened agricultural extension services to provide farmers with technical knowledge and guidance on adopting the new technologies and practices.
Impact of Green Revolution on food grain production:
.Wheat Production: The production of wheat in India more than doubled between 1965 and 1985, from 10.8 million tonnes to 55.8 million tonnes.
.Rice Production: Rice production also saw a substantial increase, from 50.6 million tonnes in 1965 to 83.3 million tonnes in 1985.
.Self-Sufficiency in Food Grains: By the mid-1970s, India had achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production, eliminating the need for large-scale food imports.
5. A section of people in India are still without food. Explain?
Ans: Despite India's progress in food grain production and self-sufficiency, a significant portion of the population still faces food insecurity. This is due to a complex interplay of factors, including:
1. Poverty: Poverty remains a major obstacle to food security in India. Nearly 22% of the population lives below the national poverty line, meaning they cannot afford to meet their basic needs, including food. Poverty limits their access to nutritious food and often forces them to make difficult choices between food and other essential expenses.
2. Inequality: Inequality in income and access to resources exacerbates food insecurity. While some individuals and communities have adequate means to access food, others are disproportionately affected by poverty and lack the resources to meet their nutritional needs.
3. Inadequate Food Distribution Systems: The Public Distribution System (PDS), the government's primary mechanism for providing subsidized food grains to the poor, faces challenges in ensuring efficient and equitable distribution. Shortages, corruption, and poor targeting can hinder the system's effectiveness in reaching those most in need.
4. Location and Infrastructure Disparities: People living in rural areas, particularly remote or marginalized communities, often face limited access to food markets and distribution networks. Infrastructure deficiencies, such as poor roads and transportation systems, can further hinder access to food and essential services.
5. Social Marginalization: Certain groups, such as women, children, minorities, and indigenous peoples, may face discrimination and social exclusion, making them more vulnerable to food insecurity. Discriminatory practices can limit their access to education, employment, and landownership, perpetuating poverty and food insecurity cycles.
Addressing food insecurity in India requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of poverty and inequality, strengthens social safety nets, and improves food distribution systems. It also demands targeted interventions to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups, promote sustainable agriculture, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
6. What happens to the supply of food when there is a disaster or a calamity?
Ans: Disasters and calamities can significantly disrupt food supply chains, leading to shortages, price spikes, and increased food insecurity. The specific impact on food supply depends on the type, intensity, and location of the disaster.
Common impacts of disasters and calamities on food supply:
.Disruption of agricultural production: Disasters can directly damage crops, livestock, and agricultural infrastructure, leading to decreased food production. Floods, droughts, and wildfires can destroy fields, while earthquakes and typhoons can damage irrigation systems and storage facilities.
.Transportation disruptions: Disasters can disrupt transportation networks, making it difficult to move food from farms to markets and distribution centers. Damaged roads, bridges, and ports can hinder food distribution, leading to shortages and price increases in affected areas.
.Storage and preservation losses: Disasters can damage food storage facilities, leading to spoilage and losses. Power outages can disrupt refrigeration and preservation processes, while floods and storms can contaminate food supplies.
.Impact on labor and market systems: Disasters can displace farmers, agricultural workers, and market traders, disrupting labor supply and market operations. This can lead to delays in harvesting, processing, and distribution of food.
.Panic buying and price spikes: In anticipation of shortages, people may engage in panic buying, creating artificial scarcity and driving up food prices. This can exacerbate food insecurity, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Long-term consequences of food supply disruptions:
.Increased malnutrition and hunger: Food shortages and price spikes can lead to increased malnutrition and hunger, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly. This can have long-term consequences for health, development, and productivity.
.Economic hardship and social unrest: Food insecurity can contribute to economic hardship, social unrest, and political instability. It can also exacerbate existing inequalities and vulnerabilities within communities.
Strategies to address food supply disruptions after disasters:
.Rapid needs assessment and emergency response: Prompt assessment of food shortages and distribution of emergency food aid are crucial to prevent widespread hunger and malnutrition.
.Rehabilitation and reconstruction of agricultural infrastructure: Restoring damaged farms, irrigation systems, and storage facilities is essential for long-term food security.
.Support for local markets and transportation networks: Providing financial assistance to farmers, traders, and transportation providers can help restore market functionality and ensure food distribution.
Promoting sustainable agriculture practices: Building resilience to future disasters requires promoting sustainable agriculture practices that reduce vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events.
7. Differentiate between seasonal hunger and chronic hunger?
Ans:
8. What has our launched by the government ?
any two schemes launched by the government?
Ans:
9. Why buffer stock is created by the government?
Ans: Buffer stocks are created by governments for several reasons, including:
.To stabilize food prices: Buffer stocks can be used to release food into the market when prices are high, which can help to reduce price volatility and protect consumers from food inflation. Conversely, buffer stocks can be used to absorb excess food from the market when prices are low, which can help to support farmers' incomes and stabilize the overall food system.
.To ensure food security in times of crisis: Buffer stocks can be used to provide food aid to populations affected by natural disasters, conflict, or other emergencies, helping to prevent widespread hunger and malnutrition. Buffer stocks provide a critical safety net in times of crisis when food supplies may be disrupted or access to food may be limited.
.To support agricultural production: Buffer stocks can be used to provide a steady demand for food grains, which can encourage farmers to invest in their production and increase their output. This can contribute to overall food security by boosting domestic food production.
.To regulate food imports and exports: Buffer stocks can be used to manage food imports and exports, helping to balance domestic supply and demand. This can help to protect domestic producers from unfair competition from imports and prevent food shortages caused by export surges.
.To promote price discovery and market transparency: Buffer stock operations can provide important signals to the market about the overall supply and demand situation for food grains. This can help to improve price discovery and market transparency, which can benefit both consumers and producers.
The size and composition of buffer stocks vary depending on the specific needs and circumstances of each country. However, buffer stocks play a crucial role in many government food security strategies, helping to stabilize food prices, ensure food availability in times of crisis, and support agricultural production.
10. Write notes on:
(a) Minimum support price
Ans: Minimum Support Price (MSP): The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices. It is the price at which the government will purchase certain agricultural products from farmers if the open market prices fall below the MSP. This ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their produce, even in years of bumper harvests or when market demand is weak.
Objectives of Minimum Support Price (MSP)
The primary objectives of MSP are to:
Protect farmers from falling prices: MSP provides a safety net for farmers, ensuring that they receive a minimum price for their produce, even when market prices are low.
Encourage agricultural production: By guaranteeing a minimum price, MSP encourages farmers to invest in their production and increase their output, contributing to overall food security.
Promote food security: MSP helps to ensure adequate availability of food grains at reasonable prices, contributing to overall food security at the national level.
Implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP)
The MSP is announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The CACP takes into account various factors in determining the MSP, including the cost of cultivation, market prices, and international demand.
The procurement of agricultural products under MSP is carried out by various government agencies, such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Farmers can sell their produce to these agencies at the MSP if the open market prices fall below the MSP.
Impact of Minimum Support Price (MSP)
The MSP has played a significant role in improving the livelihoods of farmers in India. It has helped to stabilize farm prices, encouraged agricultural production, and contributed to overall food security. However, the MSP has also been criticized for its potential to lead to surplus production and storage costs for the government.
Challenges in implementing Minimum Support Price (MSP)
There are several challenges in implementing the MSP effectively, including:
Efficient procurement: Ensuring efficient procurement of agricultural products at MSP from farmers across the country can be a logistical challenge.
Storage and preservation: Storing and preserving large quantities of procured agricultural products can involve significant costs and infrastructure requirements.
(b) Buffer stock
Ans: A buffer stock is a reserve of a commodity that is held in order to stabilize its price. It is typically used for commodities that are subject to large fluctuations in supply and demand, such as food grains, oil, and metals. Buffer stocks can be used to smooth out price volatility by buying the commodity when the price is low and selling it when the price is high. This can help to protect consumers from price shocks and producers from price instability.
There are two main types of buffer stock schemes:
.Price stabilization schemes: These schemes aim to stabilize the price of a commodity by buying and selling it in response to changes in supply and demand. For example, a government might buy a commodity when the price is low and store it in a warehouse. If the price of the commodity later rises, the government can sell it from the warehouse to help to bring the price down.
.Supply security schemes: These schemes aim to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of a commodity available to meet demand. For example, a government might build up a reserve of food grains in order to provide food assistance in the event of a natural disaster.
Buffer stocks can provide a number of benefits, including:
.Price stability: Buffer stocks can help to stabilize the price of a commodity by smoothing out price volatility. This can protect consumers from price shocks and producers from price instability.
.Food security: Buffer stocks of food grains can help to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of food available to meet demand in the event of a natural disaster or other crisis.
There are also a number of challenges associated with buffer stock schemes, including:
.Cost: Building and maintaining a buffer stock can be expensive. The government must purchase the commodity, store it, and maintain it.
.Management: Buffer stocks can be difficult to manage effectively. The government must decide when to buy and sell the commodity, and it must also ensure that the commodity is stored properly to prevent spoilage.
Overall, buffer stocks can be a useful tool for stabilizing the price of a commodity and ensuring food security. However, there are a number of challenges associated with buffer stock schemes that must be carefully considered.
(d) Fair price shops
Ans:
11. What are the problems of the functioning of ration shops?
Ans: Ration shops, also known as fair price shops (FPS) or public distribution system (PDS) outlets, play a crucial role in ensuring food security for India's low-income population. However, despite their significance, ration shops face several challenges that hinder their effectiveness and efficiency. These problems can be broadly categorized into three main areas: operational issues, corruption, and targeting deficiencies.
Operational Issues
Inadequate Infrastructure: Many ration shops lack basic infrastructure, such as proper storage facilities, weighing machines, and adequate lighting, leading to wastage, inaccuracies in measurement, and inconvenience for beneficiaries.
Irregular Opening Hours: Ration shops often operate at irregular times or remain closed without prior notice, causing hardships for beneficiaries who rely on them for their daily food needs.
Corruption
Diversion of Subsidized Commodities: PDS dealers sometimes divert subsidized commodities to the open market for higher profits, depriving eligible beneficiaries of their entitled rations.
Issuance of Fake Ration Cards: Unfair and corrupt practices in the issuance of ration cards allow ineligible individuals to access subsidized commodities, denying benefits to the truly needy.
Targeting Deficiencies
Exclusion Errors: Many eligible individuals and households are not included in the PDS database, preventing them from accessing subsidized rations.
Inclusion Errors: Ineffective targeting mechanisms allow ineligible individuals to receive benefits, diverting resources away from those who genuinely need them.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach involving:
Strengthening Infrastructure: Upgrading storage facilities, providing accurate weighing machines, and ensuring adequate lighting can minimize wastage and improve efficiency.
Streamlining Operations: Establishing standardized opening hours, implementing transparent distribution processes, and addressing supply chain inefficiencies can enhance operational effectiveness.
By effectively addressing these issues, ration shops can continue to play a vital role in ensuring food security, promoting nutrition, and contributing to the overall well-being of India's low-income population.
12. Write a note on the role of cooperatives in providing food and related items.
Ans: Sure, here is a note on the role of cooperatives in providing food and related items:
Cooperatives have long played a significant role in providing food and related items to communities around the world. They offer a democratic and member-driven approach to food production, distribution, and consumption, fostering economic empowerment, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Key Contributions of Cooperatives in the Food System
1. Increased Food Production and Processing: Cooperatives bring together farmers, producers, and processors to consolidate resources, share expertise, and improve agricultural practices. This enhances productivity, reduces post-harvest losses, and expands access to quality food.
2. Fair Market Access and Price Stabilization: Cooperatives help farmers sell their products directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries and ensuring fair prices. They also establish collective marketing channels, bargaining power, and storage facilities to stabilize market prices and protect producers from price fluctuations.
3. Local Food Systems and Community Resilience: Cooperatives promote local food production and consumption, reducing reliance on external markets and strengthening community resilience. They also support sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.
Examples of Successful Cooperatives in Food and Agriculture
1. Mondragon Corporation (Spain): A global leader in industrial cooperatives, Mondragon encompasses a network of worker-owned enterprises, including food processing and distribution businesses.
2. Fairtrade International: A global certification system that promotes fair trade practices and supports small-scale farmers and cooperatives in developing countries.
3. ICA Group (Italy): A leading cooperative in the agri-food sector, ICA Group operates retail chains, supermarkets, and food processing facilities, emphasizing local sourcing and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Cooperatives play a vital role in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering economic empowerment in communities worldwide. Their member-driven approach, focus on local food systems, and commitment to fair trade practices make them a valuable asset in building resilient and equitable food systems.
Question Type By- Jit Bora
Answer Type By: Himashree Bora.
