Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Food security, as defined by the FAO, means that all people at all times have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Historically, India has faced chronic food shortages, particularly during the Bengal famine of 1943. Post-independence, the Green Revolution significantly increased food production, but also necessitated a robust food security system. The Public Distribution System (PDS), evolving over decades, forms the backbone of this system, aiming to ensure access to subsidized food grains for vulnerable populations. This answer will describe the current Indian food security system and analyze the factors disrupting its equilibrium.
India's Food Security System: A Detailed Overview
India’s food security system is a multi-layered structure built around the PDS, procurement, storage, and distribution mechanisms. It has undergone significant changes over the years, culminating in the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
1. The Public Distribution System (PDS)
The PDS is the most crucial element, providing subsidized food grains to priority and non-priority households.
- NFSA, 2013: This Act entitles up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive food grains under the PDS. Ration cards are issued for identification.
- Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS): The PDS is now largely TPDS, aiming to identify and provide benefits to vulnerable sections.
- Fair Price Shops (FPS): These shops are the interface between the government and consumers.
2. Food Procurement
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal agency responsible for procuring food grains, primarily wheat and rice, from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSPs).
- Minimum Support Price (MSP): The government announces MSPs for various crops annually, incentivizing farmers to produce specific grains.
- Procurement Zones: Procurement is zone-specific, based on production levels and regional needs.
3. Storage and Warehousing
Adequate storage infrastructure is vital to prevent spoilage and ensure availability.
- Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs): These bodies manage storage facilities.
- Coverage: While storage capacity has increased, it remains a challenge, especially in eastern states.
4. Buffer Stock
The government maintains a buffer stock to meet emergency situations and stabilize prices. This stock is replenished through procurement.
- Norms: The buffer stock norms are revised periodically based on projections of demand and supply.
Reasons for Disturbance in Food Demand and Supply
Demand-Side Factors
Changes in consumer behavior and demographics are impacting food demand.
- Changing Dietary Preferences: A shift towards processed foods, meat, and dairy products is reducing the demand for traditional grains. Urbanization and exposure to global diets play a significant role.
- Population Growth: While population growth has slowed, the absolute demand for food remains high.
- Income Levels: Rising incomes lead to increased consumption of higher-value food items.
- Food Inflation: High food prices can reduce consumption, especially among low-income groups.
Supply-Side Factors
Multiple factors impact food production and distribution.
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods severely impact crop yields. The Indian monsoon's dependence on climate variability poses a constant threat.
- Post-Harvest Losses: Significant losses occur due to inadequate storage, transportation, and processing facilities. Approximately 30-40% of fruits and vegetables are lost post-harvest (knowledge cutoff).
- Infrastructural Bottlenecks: Poor road connectivity, inadequate cold chain infrastructure, and inefficient railway systems hamper timely distribution.
- Land Degradation: Soil erosion, salinity, and waterlogging reduce agricultural productivity.
- Farmer Distress: Low farm incomes, indebtedness, and lack of access to credit discourage farmers from investing in improved technologies and practices.
- Procurement Policies: While MSPs are intended to support farmers, inefficient procurement processes and delays in payments can create problems.
| Factor | Impact on Food Security |
|---|---|
| Climate Change | Reduced crop yields, increased price volatility |
| Post-Harvest Losses | Reduced availability, increased food costs |
| Changing Dietary Preferences | Imbalance in food consumption patterns, potential nutritional deficiencies |
Case Study: Impact of Drought in Maharashtra (2018-2019)
The severe drought in Maharashtra, India, between 2018 and 2019, highlighted the vulnerabilities of the food security system. Crop failures led to reduced procurement, impacting PDS availability in affected districts. Farmers faced severe distress, and the state government had to implement measures like water rationing and subsidized food distribution. This case underscores the importance of drought-proofing strategies and robust contingency planning.
Conclusion
India's food security system has evolved significantly, but faces persistent challenges. While the NFSA ensures access to subsidized food grains, issues like climate change, post-harvest losses, and changing dietary preferences necessitate a more holistic approach. Investing in climate-resilient agriculture, improving storage and transportation infrastructure, promoting diversification of food crops, and empowering farmers through technology and financial inclusion are crucial for ensuring sustainable food security. A shift towards a more efficient and equitable system, coupled with proactive measures to address emerging challenges, is essential to nourish a growing nation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.