Food Security and Famine Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which dimension of food security refers to the financial ability to purchase food?

Accessibility

Affordability (correct)

Sustainability

Availability

The famine of Bengal in 1943 was caused by a natural calamity that decreased food production.

True

What is the term used to describe the stock of food grains procured from farmers by the Food Corporation of India?

Buffer stock

Match the states with their food insecurity status:

Bihar = One of the states with most food insecure people West Bengal = One of the states with food insecurity Maharashtra = Parts are food insecure Jharkhand = One of the states with most food insecure people Signup and view all the answers

Chronic hunger is caused by diets that are persistently inadequate in terms of __________.

quality or quantity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is most likely to suffer from food insecurity?

Self-employed workers Signup and view all the answers

Seasonal hunger is primarily caused by low income and inability to buy food.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

To distribute grains at lower prices to poorer areas Signup and view all the answers

What significant agricultural strategy led to increased wheat and rice production in India during the Green Revolution?

New agricultural strategies or technologies Signup and view all the answers

The Antyodaya Anna Yojana is designed for the middle-class population.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one Food Intervention programme that was introduced in the mid 1970s.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Signup and view all the answers

The National Food Security Act was enacted in _____.

2013 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cards with their descriptions:

Antyodaya cards = For the poorest of the poor BPL cards = For below poverty line individuals APL cards = For the rest of the population Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a criticism of the Public Distribution System?

It has overflowing granaries with rotting grains Signup and view all the answers

What is one major issue caused by the increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP)?

Pressure on the government in terms of grain management. Signup and view all the answers

All families used to receive grains at the same prices before the introduction of specific cards.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dimensions of Food Security

Availability: Sufficient food production, imports, and stored government reserves ensure adequate food supply.
Accessibility: Food is readily available to all without significant barriers to access.
Affordability: People have the financial capacity to purchase food of acceptable quality.

Famine

Causes: Natural disasters reduce food production, leading to higher grain prices. Prolonged high prices and widespread food scarcity can result in famine.
Consequences: Widespread starvation and epidemics arise from inadequate and unhygienic food supplies.
Examples: The Bengal Famine of 1943, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Food Insecurity Vulnerable Groups

Individuals: Landless laborers, traditional service providers, self-employed workers, destitute individuals, and beggars.
Families: Low-wage workers, casual laborers, individuals in seasonal occupations.
Specific demographics: Lower castes, migrants, those affected by natural disasters, pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under five.

States with High Food Insecurity

East and Southeast Uttar Pradesh
Bihar
Jharkhand
Orissa
West Bengal
Chhattisgarh
Parts of Madhya Pradesh
Parts of Maharashtra

Dimensions of Hunger

Chronic Hunger: Persistent inadequate diets (quality and quantity) due to low income.
Seasonal Hunger: Variations in food availability linked to agricultural cycles and reduced labor opportunities in rural and urban areas.

Agricultural Advancements and the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution introduced new agricultural strategies, focusing on wheat and rice production.
The "Wheat Revolution" was marked by a special stamp issued in 1968. Similar efforts followed for rice.
Key state growth rates were noted for wheat (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh) and rice (West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh).

Buffer Stock

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) manages buffer stocks of grains.
Procurement is done from farmers with surplus production, at their declared Minimum Support Prices (MSP) beforehand.
These stocks help distribute grains at lower issue prices in areas needing support.

Public Distribution System (PDS)

The PDS, introduced in the 1940s and revived in the 1960s, distributes essential food, and other necessities through ration shops.
Ration/fair price shops are located throughout the country.
Card types include Antyodaya (poorest of the poor), Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line (APL).
Food Intervention programs of the mid-1970s included the PDS, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Food-for-Work (FFD).

National Food Security Act (2013)

Ensures food and nutritional security at affordable prices for eligible populations.
Targets 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations.

Revamped and Targeted PDS

Revamped PDS (RPDS) targeted backward areas (1992).
Targeted PDS (TPDS) targeted poor populations nationally (1997).
Introduced price differentiation between poor and less-poor.

Poverty Alleviation Programs

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and the Annapurna Scheme (APS) were launched in 2000 by the Government to address food security for the poorest of the poor and indigent senior citizens, respectively.

Declining Performance and Criticisms of PDS

Overstocking and rotting grain is a common occurrence.
Rising Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) have influenced farmer choices to other crops.
Environmental concerns arise due to extensive irrigation for high-water-demand crops (rice).
PDS dealers have engaged in various malpractices (selling grains in open market, selling bad quality grains, irregular shop opening, and stock-related issues).
Pricing inequalities exist among card holders, making the system less beneficial for those slightly above the poverty line.

Cooperatives in Food Security

Tamil Nadu has substantially high cooperative participation in running ration shops.
Other examples of successful cooperatives include Mother Dairy and Amul.
Initiatives like grain banks are developing in some states (Maharashtra).

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Description

Explore the crucial dimensions of food security, including availability, accessibility, and affordability. This quiz also covers the causes and consequences of famine, as well as the vulnerable groups affected by food insecurity. Gain insights into historical examples and current challenges.