Food Security in India

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Questions and Answers

What does food security mean?

Availability, accessibility, and affordability of food to all people at all times.

What are the three dimensions of food security?

Production, distribution, and consumption

Local, national, and global

Quantity, quality, and price

Availability, accessibility, and affordability (correct)

What is the public distribution system (PDS) and why is it important?

The PDS is a government-run network that distributes food grains, especially wheat and rice, to the poor at subsidized prices. It is important because it helps ensure food security and prevents famines.

What are the main factors that contribute to food insecurity, particularly for the poorest sections of society?

Poverty, low land ownership, lack of access to education and healthcare, and vulnerability to natural disasters like droughts or floods. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the Bengal famine of 1943 and what lessons did we learn from it?

The Bengal Famine was a devastating event that led to the deaths of millions of people, primarily due to a shortage of rice and soaring rice prices. It highlighted the importance of food security and the need for effective government intervention to prevent such catastrophic events. Signup and view all the answers

The Green Revolution in India focused primarily on increasing the production of wheat and rice.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum support price (MSP), and how does it impact food security?

The MSP is a guaranteed price set by the government for certain crops, ensuring that farmers receive a minimum income for their produce. It helps promote agricultural production and, indirectly, food security. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key objectives of the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

The PDS aims to provide food grains, especially wheat and rice, to the poorer sections of society at affordable prices. It also helps to stabilize food prices and ensure the availability of essential commodities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the 'Antyodaya Anna Yojana' (AAY) and the 'Annapurna Scheme' (APS) in India?

The AAY targets the poorest of the poor, providing 35 kg of foodgrains at heavily subsidized prices. The APS provides 10 kg of foodgrains per month to indigent senior citizens free of cost. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the challenges faced by the Public Distribution System? (PDS)?

Challenges include corruption, diversion of food grains to the open market, poor quality of grains, and lack of transparency and accountability in the system. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of cooperatives in ensuring food security in India.

Cooperatives play a crucial role in food security by providing food, especially milk and milk products, at affordable prices to consumers. They also help to address food insecurity in remote areas and promote local food production. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the significance of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.

The NFSA is a landmark legislation that aims to ensure food security for a large proportion of the Indian population. It provides legal entitlement to food grains at subsidized prices for eligible households, further strengthening the existing food security framework. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key factors that contribute to food security in India? Explain each factor.

Factors include: a) Increased food-grain production due to the Green Revolution, b) Effective implementation of the Public Distribution System (PDS) to provide affordable food to the poor, c) Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure farmers a fair income for their produce, d) Role of co-operatives in ensuring food security, and e) Various poverty alleviation programs focused on food security like the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Security in India

Food security encompasses availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for all people at all times.
Vulnerable households face greater risks during food production or distribution challenges.
Food security includes the production within a country, imports, and previous year's stored food stocks.
Accessibility means food is readily available to everyone.
Affordability means individuals have sufficient funds for nutritious food.
Food insecurity significantly affects the poorest sectors of society during periods of crisis.
Natural calamities such as drought or earthquake disrupt food production, leading to shortages and price increases.
Shortages, in turn, can trigger widespread starvation or famines.
The Bengal Famine of 1943, which killed approximately 30 lakh people, was a devastating event.
Agricultural laborers, fishermen, and other casual laborers were severely affected by the 1943 famine.
Food security hinges on the public distribution system (PDS) and government interventions.
Government measures attempt to ensure food availability and affordability through the PDS.

Dimensions of Food Security

Availability: Reflects food production within the country, imports, and stockpiles.
Accessibility: Implies that food is readily available to all.
Affordability: Asserts that food is accessible economically to all.

Agricultural Seasons and Employment

Agricultural labor is seasonal, leading to unemployment for several months of the year.
Casual laborers often face income instability.
Their livelihoods depend significantly on agricultural output.
Farmers in prosperous regions, primarily focusing on wheat and rice, are prompted by high MSPs to divert land use.

Role of Cooperatives

Cooperatives in southern and western India play a crucial role in food security.
Cooperative societies establish retail outlets to provide affordable food to vulnerable populations (especially low-income families).
Notable examples incorporate Mother Dairy in Delhi and Amul in Gujarat.

The National Food Security Act of 2013

The Act aims to ensure food security for a majority of the Indian population.
The government targets a part of the rural and urban population through initiatives to address food needs, including the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

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Description

Explore the vital aspects of food security in India, including its availability, accessibility, and affordability. Understand the factors affecting vulnerable households and the historical context of famines, such as the Bengal Famine of 1943. This quiz helps you grasp the challenges and implications of food security in the country.