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. Prior to the Green Revolution (mid-1960s), India faced chronic food shortages, recurrent famines, and a high dependence on food imports. The Green Revolution, however, dramatically altered this landscape, ushering in an era of increased agricultural production. This response will analyze the evolution of food security in India, contrasting the pre- and post-Green Revolution periods and propose sustainable solutions for a more resilient future.
Pre-Green Revolution Scenario (Before Mid-1960s)
Before the Green Revolution, India's agricultural productivity was low due to traditional farming practices, dependence on monsoon rains, and limited availability of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds. Frequent droughts and famines, such as the Bengal famine of 1943, resulted in widespread starvation and malnutrition. The country heavily relied on food imports, particularly from the United States under the PL-480 program. Landholdings were small and fragmented, hindering efficient farming practices.
The Green Revolution and its Impact
The Green Revolution, initiated in 1966 with the introduction of HYV wheat and rice varieties, significantly boosted food production. Key components included irrigation infrastructure development, increased fertilizer use, and the provision of agricultural credit. This led to self-sufficiency in food grains, particularly wheat and rice. However, the benefits were largely concentrated in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, creating regional disparities.
Post-Green Revolution Challenges & Current Scenario
Despite the initial successes, the Green Revolution has also created challenges. These include:
- Regional Disparities: While some regions prospered, others, particularly rain-fed areas, were left behind, exacerbating rural inequalities.
- Environmental Degradation: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides has led to soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
- Water Scarcity: Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation has resulted in declining water tables in many areas.
- Climate Change Impacts: Increasingly erratic monsoon patterns and extreme weather events pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity and food security.
- Nutritional Security: While calorie availability improved, nutritional deficiencies remain a major concern, particularly among women and children.
| Feature | Pre-Green Revolution | Post-Green Revolution |
|---|---|---|
| Food Production | Low, insufficient to meet demand | Increased significantly, achieving self-sufficiency in grains |
| Crop Varieties | Traditional, low-yielding | High-yielding varieties (HYVs) |
| Irrigation | Primarily rain-fed | Increased irrigation coverage |
| Fertilizer Use | Minimal | High, leading to environmental concerns |
| Regional Impact | Widespread food shortages | Uneven distribution of benefits |
Sustainable Solutions to Strengthen Food Security
To ensure long-term food security, a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices is crucial. These include:
- Promoting Diversified Cropping: Moving away from monoculture and encouraging the cultivation of a wider range of crops, including pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains.
- Investing in Water Management: Implementing efficient irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation, promoting rainwater harvesting, and restoring traditional water bodies.
- Improving Soil Health: Promoting organic farming, zero tillage, and crop rotation to enhance soil fertility and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Developing and promoting drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crop varieties.
- Strengthening Public Distribution System (PDS): Ensuring equitable access to food grains at affordable prices, particularly for vulnerable populations. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 is a key component.
- Promoting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Empowering farmers through collective action to improve their bargaining power and access to markets.
Conclusion
India’s journey towards food security has been marked by significant transformations, from periods of scarcity to self-sufficiency thanks to the Green Revolution. However, contemporary challenges like climate change, regional disparities, and nutritional deficiencies necessitate a paradigm shift towards sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices. A holistic approach focusing on diversified cropping, efficient resource management, and farmer empowerment is essential to ensure that India achieves lasting food and nutritional security for all its citizens.
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.