Food Security in India

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Questions and Answers

What are the three main components of food security according to the definition provided?

The three main components of food security are availability, accessibility, and affordability of food.

How did Amartya Sen's perspective on food security expand the understanding of the concept?

Amartya Sen emphasized the importance of access to food through 'entitlements', which consider what one can produce, trade in the market, or receive from social provisions.

What role does the Public Distribution System (PDS) play in food security in India?

The Public Distribution System (PDS) helps ensure food security by monitoring the distribution of food grains and making them accessible to vulnerable populations.

According to the 1995 World Food Summit, what is required for global food security?

<p>Global food security requires that all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between poverty eradication and food security as per the declaration mentioned?

<p>The declaration states that poverty eradication is essential to improve access to food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does food availability relate to food production within a country?

<p>Food availability refers to the domestic food production, food imports, and stocks stored from previous years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Can food security be achieved solely through domestic production? Why or why not?

<p>No, food security cannot be achieved solely through domestic production because it also involves imports and effective distribution systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of items are typically found in a ration shop?

<p>Ration shops typically stock foodgrains, sugar, and kerosene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of rationing in India during the 1940s?

<p>Rationing in India started in the 1940s due to the Bengal famine, aiming to manage food shortages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of ration cards mentioned?

<p>The three types of ration cards are Antyodaya cards, BPL cards, and APL cards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of the Public Distribution System (PDS) impact food availability?

<p>The PDS was established to provide food grains to the population, especially the poor, enhancing food security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors led to the revival of rationing in the 1960s?

<p>Rationing was revived in the 1960s due to an acute food shortage prior to the Green Revolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Ramu unemployed for about four months in a year?

<p>Ramu is unemployed for about four months due to the seasonal nature of agricultural work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ramu do when he is unemployed?

<p>When Ramu is unemployed, he faces difficulties in feeding his family and sometimes they have to go without food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are supplementing income in Ramu’s family?

<p>Ramu's family may have members engaging in small jobs or taking on casual labor to supplement income.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ramu face difficulty when he is unable to find work?

<p>Ramu faces difficulties when unemployed due to lack of cash or resources to buy food for his family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is Ramu considered food insecure?

<p>Ramu is considered food insecure during the four months he is unemployed and unable to earn.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What groups are the most affected by food and nutrition insecurity in India?

<p>The most affected groups include landless people, traditional artisans, and petty self-employed workers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main sources of income for families like Ramu's in urban areas?

<p>Families like Ramu's primarily rely on ill-paid occupations and casual labor for income.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of natural disasters on food insecurity among certain populations?

<p>Natural disasters force affected populations to migrate in search of work, exacerbating their food insecurity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue is prevalent among women in relation to food insecurity?

<p>A high incidence of malnutrition prevails among women, particularly affecting unborn babies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year did foodgrain production in India first exceed 200 million tonnes?

<p>200 million tonnes was first exceeded in the year 2021.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the foodgrain production in India in the year 2019?

<p>The foodgrain production in 2019 was 257 million tonnes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in foodgrain production?

<p>The MSP provides incentives to farmers to increase foodgrain production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which year indicates the lowest foodgrain production in the given data?

<p>The lowest foodgrain production was 108 million tonnes in 2002.</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which decade did India see the highest recorded foodgrain production according to the graph?

<p>The highest recorded foodgrain production occurred in the 2020s.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the government support farmers before the sowing season?

<p>The government declares the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happened to India's foodgrain production between the years 2015 and 2016?

<p>Foodgrain production remained stable at 252 million tonnes in both years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the granaries mentioned in the context of foodgrain production?

<p>Granaries are used for storing purchased foodgrains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did foodgrain production in 2020 compare to that in 2021?

<p>Foodgrain production rose from 276 million tonnes in 2020 to 297 million tonnes in 2021.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by buffer stock in the context of food security in India?

<p>Buffer stock refers to the stock of foodgrains, particularly wheat and rice, procured by the government to ensure food availability during shortages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Public Distribution System (PDS) function in India?

<p>The PDS distributes food procured by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) through regulated ration shops to low-income households at prices lower than the market price.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the government involved in creating buffer stock?

<p>The government creates buffer stock to distribute foodgrains in deficit areas and to help resolve food shortages during adverse conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Food Corporation of India (FCI) play in food security?

<p>The FCI procures foodgrains from farmers in surplus-producing states and manages the distribution through the PDS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Issue Price in the Public Distribution System.

<p>The Issue Price is the price at which foodgrains are distributed through ration shops, which is lower than the prevailing market price.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges might be associated with the Public Distribution System?

<p>Challenges include issues like corruption, inefficiency in distribution, and inadequate supply during crises.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain a buffer stock of foodgrains?

<p>Maintaining a buffer stock is important to prevent food shortages during natural calamities or periods of low production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the distribution of foodgrains benefit poorer strata of society?

<p>The distribution provides access to essential food items at subsidized prices, making food security more attainable for low-income households.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the food security system have on food production levels in India since 2000-01?

<p>Since 2000-01, food production levels in India have consistently increased due to the support of a structured food security system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Estimate the number of ration shops in India and their significance.

<p>There are approximately 5.5 lakh ration shops in India, which are critical for supporting food distribution to poorer sections of society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Food Security

The ability of individuals and populations to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food at all times to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

What is food security?

The availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for all people at all times.

Food Availability

Means that enough food is produced within the country, imported, or stored in government reserves.

Food Accessibility

Refers to the ability of people to physically access food, which can be influenced by factors like location, income, and transportation.

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Food Affordability

Ensures that people can afford to buy the food they require.

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Landless People

People who don't own land or have very little land to depend on.

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Traditional Artisans

Skilled craftspeople whose work is often passed down through generations.

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Providers of Traditional Services

People providing services like cleaning, repairs, or transportation.

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Petty Self-Employed Workers

Individuals who work for themselves, often in small businesses.

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Destitutes

People who have lost their homes and have no support system.

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Ill-Paid Occupations

Jobs with low pay and no guarantee of work.

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Casual Labour

Work that is temporary and not always available.

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Seasonal Unemployment

Periods of time when work is scarce, often linked to seasons.

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What is the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

A system where the government sells essential food items at lower prices to families with ration cards.

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What are ration cards and how do they work?

These cards are issued to families based on their economic status, determining the price they pay for essential goods.

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What are ration shops?

These shops sell essential food items like grains, sugar, and kerosene at controlled prices.

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What was the reason for introducing the PDS?

The government launched this program to address food shortages and poverty.

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How does the PDS cater to different socioeconomic groups?

This program aims to provide food to the poorest of the poor, those below the poverty line, and everyone else.

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What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

A government-set price for certain crops that aims to support farmers and encourage production.

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Foodgrain Production

The amount of food grains produced in a year.

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When did India cross 200 million tonnes of foodgrain production?

The year when India's foodgrain production crossed 200 million tonnes.

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In which decade did India consistently produce over 200 million tonnes of foodgrain?

The decade where India's foodgrain production consistently stayed above 200 million tonnes.

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What are granaries?

Storage facilities for food grains, usually government-maintained, to ensure long-term food availability.

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What is the government's food grain procurement?

The act of purchasing food grains from farmers at the MSP.

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What are the incentives for farmers?

Incentives provided to farmers to encourage them to raise production of certain crops. Often linked to the MSP.

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What is the crop yield?

The amount of a particular crop produced in an area.

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What is rationalization?

The practice of using resources efficiently and avoiding wasteful practices.

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What is the purpose of the buffer stock system in India?

A system that ensures a consistent supply of foodgrains in India, particularly wheat and rice, to prevent shortages during challenging times like natural disasters or economic hardships.

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Who is responsible for managing the buffer stock in India?

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures wheat and rice from farmers in areas with surplus production.

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How does the FCI acquire foodgrains for the buffer stock?

The government purchases wheat and rice from farmers at a pre-determined price, ensuring their income stability during times of surplus production.

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What is the primary role of the buffer stock in India?

The foodgrains stored in the buffer stock are distributed to areas facing food shortages and to people needing affordable food.

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What is the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India?

A system where the government distributes foodgrains, primarily wheat and rice, through designated ration shops to low-income households at a price lower than the market price.

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Who is responsible for managing the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India?

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is managed by the government and operates nationwide.

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How does the Public Distribution System (PDS) reach vulnerable households?

The government identifies and distributes foodgrains to specific sections of society through ration shops, ensuring they have access to affordable food.

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How does the Public Distribution System (PDS) reach various communities?

Ration shops are located in various areas across India, including villages, towns, and cities, ensuring accessibility to all.

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What is one crucial benefit of the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

The Public Distribution System (PDS) plays a crucial role in resolving food shortages during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or economic downturns.

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What is another key benefit of the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

The Public Distribution System (PDS) helps ensure that even the poorest sections of society have access to affordable food, reducing food insecurity and promoting social welfare.

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Study Notes

Food Security in India

  • Food security encompasses availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for all people at all times.
  • Vulnerable households are particularly at risk during food shortages, especially when production or distribution is affected.
  • Food availability depends on domestic production, imports, and government granaries.
  • Accessibility means easy access to food for everyone.
  • Affordability implies sufficient funds to purchase safe and nutritious food.
  • Food insecurity is a concern, especially for the poor, but can affect those above the poverty line during national disasters or calamities.
  • A natural calamity, like drought, leads to reduced crop production, resulting in food shortages and price hikes.
  • This can lead to starvation, especially if the situation is widespread and prolonged.

Dimensions of Food Security

  • Availability: Food production within the country, imports, and stored reserves.
  • Accessibility: Food is available within reach of all individuals.
  • Affordability: Individuals have the financial means to purchase enough safe and nutritious food for their dietary needs.

The Bengal Famine of 1943

  • The 1943 Bengal famine resulted in the death of approximately 3 million people.
  • Agricultural laborers, fishermen, and other casual workers were most affected by the dramatic increase in rice prices.

Food Insecurity and Vulnerable Groups

  • Food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations like those in poverty or low-income households, especially if they lack access to land, resources, or employment.
  • Those who migrate or are affected by natural disasters are also prone to food insecurity.

Government Interventions

  • The Public Distribution System (PDS) aims to ensure food availability and affordability for the poor.
  • Government initiatives, like the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), target the poorest households with subsidized food rations and subsidies, contributing to food security.
  • The Green Revolution in India, aiming at self-sufficiency in food production, focused on wheat, and rice, positively impacting food security.

Importance of Food Security

  • Food security is crucial for an active, healthy life. Addressing poverty and hunger is a cornerstone towards improved food security.
  • Food insecurity can impact public health and well-being.
  • Ensuring food availability is essential during times of crisis or calamity.

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