Food Security in India

The significant increase in agricultural production, especially in wheat and rice, that occurred in India starting in the 1970s.

The goal of a nation to produce enough food to feed its entire population without relying on imports.

A strategy developed by the Indian government after independence aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food grains.

The total amount of food grains produced in India in a given year.

Significant increase in the production of foodgrains resulting in self-sufficiency in India. This was achieved by adopting new farming methods and technologies, particularly in the production of wheat and rice.

The availability of enough food to meet the needs of the entire population. It ensures that everyone has access to nutritious and safe food.

A decline in the percentage of people experiencing hunger due to inadequate food supply or chronic malnutrition.

A government-run store that sells essential food items like grains, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized prices.

A document proving eligibility for discounted food items at ration shops.

A category of ration card issued to the poorest families.

A category of ration card issued to families living below the poverty line.

A category of ration card issued to families who are not eligible for Antyodaya or BPL cards.

A government program that provides subsidized food grains to the public through ration shops.

A program that provides nutritious meals to children in schools.

A program that provides food assistance in exchange for work done by individuals.

Government programs aimed at reducing poverty by providing food or other resources.

A major food shortage that resulted in widespread starvation, particularly in Bengal, India.

A stock of foodgrains, primarily wheat and rice, procured by the government to ensure food security.

The system of distributing foodgrains through government-regulated shops to the poorer sections of society, often at prices lower than the market price. "The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has the primary role in procuring, storing and distributing food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS)."

The FCI purchases food grains from farmers in areas with surplus production.

The FCI pays farmers a pre-determined price for their foodgrains. This ensures that they receive a stable income.

Foodgrains from the FCI's buffer stock are distributed to the poor.

The PDS aims to ensure food security by providing foodgrains at lower prices than the market price.

The PDS helps address food shortages during adverse weather situations or emergencies.

The PDS ensures a stable supply of food, especially in more vulnerable regions of India.

Ration shops, located in villages, towns, and cities, are where citizens can access food grains provided by the PDS.

The minimum price guaranteed by the government to farmers for their produce, like wheat and rice.

The increase in MSP (Minimum Support Price) for food grains puts pressure on government spending, as they need more money to buy these grains from farmers.

The NSSO report shows that despite increased PDS rice and wheat consumption, overall per capita consumption of rice has declined in both rural and urban India.

Cooperatives are playing a vital role in food security, especially in southern and western India, by providing low-priced essential goods to poor people.

A payment made by the government to producers to increase their income and keep consumer prices low.

The minimum amount of foodgrains that the government needs to have in storage to ensure food security.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is responsible for maintaining the buffer stock of foodgrains in India.

In 2014, India's foodgrain stock was significantly higher than the minimum buffer norm, leading to overflowing grain storage facilities.

The excess foodgrain stock in 2014 was primarily due to increased production of wheat and rice, driven by higher Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Higher Minimum Support Price motivated farmers in surplus states to shift from growing staple food like coarse grains to wheat and rice.

The production of rice, which requires a lot of water, caused environmental degradation and falling water levels, harming the sustainability of agriculture.

Storing large amounts of foodgrains has drawbacks, such as high storage costs, wastage, and deterioration of quality.

The government addressed the issue of overflowing granaries by distributing foodgrains through various schemes, improving the situation.

Maintaining a high level of buffer stocks of foodgrains is widely considered undesirable due to the associated costs and potential inefficiencies.