Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Food security, a critical pillar of sustainable development, signifies access by all people at all times to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. The concept gained prominence post-Green Revolution, initially focused on ensuring adequate cereal production. However, the 2008 global food crisis and subsequent reports highlighted the need for a broader understanding encompassing availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. India's journey towards food security has been marked by significant strides in food grain production but also faces persistent challenges of distribution and nutritional deficiencies.
Defining Food Security
The concept of food security evolved from simply ensuring calorie availability to a more holistic view. The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) defines food security as a state in which all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
Historical Context: Food Grain Production in India
India’s food grain production was severely limited before the Green Revolution. Post-independence, initiatives like the Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP) laid the groundwork. The Green Revolution (mid-1960s) dramatically increased production through High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, significantly reducing dependence on imports. However, it also led to regional disparities and environmental concerns.
Food Grain Production Trends
India is one of the world’s largest producers of rice, wheat, and pulses. Production figures (knowledge cutoff May 2024) are as follows:
| Crop | Production (Million Tonnes) - 2022-23 (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Rice | 135.32 |
| Wheat | 112.63 |
| Pulses | 28.77 |
Source: Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Food Security and the Public Distribution System (PDS)
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a crucial element in India's food security strategy. Initially introduced in 1948, it was significantly strengthened during the 1960s to manage food grain surpluses and provide subsidized food to vulnerable populations. The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) introduced in 1997 aimed to provide food grains at concessional rates to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, guarantees a legal right to receive subsidized food grains.
Challenges to Food Security
- Post-Harvest Losses: Significant losses occur during storage and transportation. FAO estimates around 30% of food produced is lost.
- Nutritional Security: While calorie availability has improved, malnutrition remains a significant concern, especially among women and children.
- Regional Disparities: Food insecurity is more prevalent in certain regions due to factors like poverty, climate vulnerability, and inadequate infrastructure.
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall and extreme weather events threaten crop yields.
Moving Beyond Food Grain Production
While food grain production remains important, achieving true food security requires a shift towards:
- Promoting diversification of crops to improve nutritional intake.
- Reducing food wastage through better storage and handling practices.
- Strengthening the PDS and improving its efficiency.
- Addressing issues of poverty and inequality to enhance access to food.
- Promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
Case Study: Poshan Abhiyaan
Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) launched in 2018, is a multi-sectoral programme aiming to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It integrates various schemes related to nutrition and aims to address malnutrition in a holistic manner. The mission focuses on behavior change communication to promote better dietary practices.
Conclusion
Food security in India has progressed significantly thanks to the Green Revolution and the PDS, but challenges remain. Moving forward, a shift is necessary from merely ensuring food grain availability to achieving nutritional security and equitable access. Prioritizing sustainable agriculture, reducing food wastage, and strengthening social safety nets are crucial for ensuring that all citizens have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a healthy and productive life.
Answer Length
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