Food Security in India Overview Quiz

Food Security in India

Food security refers to the availability of sufficient quantities of safe and nutritious food for all people at all times. In India, ensuring this essential need has been a top priority due to its high population and diverse climatic conditions, which can affect agricultural production. This article will delve into various aspects related to food security in India, including the distribution system, subsidy programs, agricultural productivity, and relevant government initiatives.

Distribution System

The Indian Government's Public Distribution System was established with the goal of providing affordable and accessible food grains to vulnerable populations across the country. It is one of the world’s largest public distribution systems, reaching more than three quarters of India's population. The implementation includes the Fair Price Shops (FPS) - retail outlets owned by state governments where rations of rice, wheat, sugar, kerosene oil, etc., are sold to cardholders at subsidized rates. FPS also have access to subsidised fertilizers under the Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme for farmers.

However, there remain challenges such as uneven resource allocation, supply chain disruptions caused by natural calamities like floods, lack of coordination between different layers of governments, corruption, pilferage, and hoarding leading to price inflation. To address these issues and improve efficiency, the government has initiated measures like computerization of FPS operations, biometric identification of beneficiaries, direct cash transfers instead of subsidized grain deliveries, and setting up virtual markets through online portals.

Subsidy Programs

India runs several welfare schemes aimed at supporting marginalized communities financially and socially, addressing their needs from healthcare to education and skill development. One significant program is PM-Gharib Kalyan Yojana (PM-GKY), introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to extend targeted support to disadvantaged sections of society. Under the scheme, 80% poor families were given Rs.1 lakh each in financial assistance without any documentation or verification process.

Another notable initiative is PM Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), launched in November 2016, aiming to construct over five crore rural houses by 2022. As per the Ministry of Rural Development, around 7.8 crores houses have already been constructed till December 2022. These housing units not only ensure adequate living spaces but also contribute to boosting demand in the construction sector, creating jobs, and playing a pivotal role in reviving economic growth amidst the global crisis.

Agricultural Productivity

Agriculture remains crucial for India's economy and food security, contributing significantly to GDP, employment generation, and exports. However, the challenge lies in increasing agricultural productivity while maintaining sustainability. Technological advancements play a vital role here; digital tools help improve crop planning, soil health management, water usage optimization, and farm mechanization. For instance, the government's 'Soil Health Card Scheme', implemented since April 2015, provides every farmer with information on soil quality, suggesting necessary interventions for better yields.

Additionally, strengthening linkages among stakeholders along the value chain—from primary producers to retailers—is critical to enhance productivity. The government has embarked upon landmark projects like Sahaj Bazar, Advanced Technology Farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, 'One District One Product' initiative, and National Centre for Cold Chain Development. Such efforts promote modern farming practices, increase market opportunities, and reduce post-harvest losses.

Malnutrition

Despite impressive strides made in reducing chronic hunger, India still faces significant challenges regarding nutrition. According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021, India ranked 101 out of 116 countries globally. While India achieved targets set under the Millennium Development Goal 1c (MDG 1c) of halving extreme poverty and hunger by 2015, it now aims to eliminate hunger and achieve sustainable food security under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

To combat malnutrition, the government has implemented schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), integrating the Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Supplementary Nutrition program, and Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) scheme to holistically tackle malnourishment across the lifespan. Moreover, community participation has been encouraged through initiatives like Gramma Sabhas, Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSND), and Asha workers to monitor progress at the ground level.

Government Policies

In recent years, the government has taken major steps towards improving food security in India. Some key policy decisions include expanding the coverage of safeguard duty on importers to protect domestic industries and reducing import dependence, enhancing capital expenditure in agriculture, implementing Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for farmers, and increasing budget allocations for welfare schemes. Additionally, technology integration is facilitating transparent governance, fast tracking procedures, eliminating corruption, and simplifying processes.

While considerable improvements have been seen in India's food security landscape, challenges persist due to factors like climate change, global trade uncertainties, changing consumer preferences, and evolving dietary requirements. Therefore, continuous innovation and adaptation to new realities remain central to securing food provisions for all Indians.