Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Food security, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), exists when 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 in the 1960s, India faced chronic food shortages, exacerbated by factors like land fragmentation, traditional farming practices, and recurrent droughts. The Bhoodan movement, while well-intentioned, proved insufficient to address the systemic issues. The specter of the Bengal famine of 1943 (estimated 3 million deaths) served as a grim reminder of the nation’s vulnerability, necessitating a radical shift in agricultural policy.
Food Security Before the Green Revolution (Pre-1960s)
Before the Green Revolution, India’s agricultural production was largely dependent on the monsoon. Yields were low, and the country was heavily reliant on food imports, particularly wheat and rice. The focus was on traditional varieties of crops with limited response to fertilizers. Frequent famines, like the 1966-67 drought, underscored the precariousness of the situation.
- Low Productivity: Average yield of rice was around 1.4 tonnes/hectare, and wheat was 1.0 tonne/hectare.
- Dependence on Monsoon: Rainfall variability led to frequent crop failures.
- Limited Fertilizer Use: Fertilizer consumption was negligible.
- High Food Prices: Scarcity drove up food prices, impacting the poor disproportionately.
The Green Revolution and its Impact
The Green Revolution, initiated in 1966, introduced High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, particularly wheat and rice, along with increased irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. It dramatically increased food production, averting widespread famine and achieving self-sufficiency in food grains.
- Increased Production: Food grain production rose from 50 million tonnes in 1950-51 to over 175 million tonnes in 1980.
- Self-Sufficiency: India achieved self-sufficiency in food grains by the mid-1970s.
- Regional Disparities: The Green Revolution primarily benefited Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, leading to regional imbalances. Other regions, particularly rain-fed areas, were largely left behind.
- Environmental Concerns: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides led to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
- Nutritional Imbalance: Focus on cereals neglected other essential food groups like pulses, fruits, and vegetables, contributing to nutritional deficiencies.
Sustainable Solutions for Strengthening Food Security
Moving beyond the Green Revolution's limitations, a multi-pronged approach is needed to ensure sustainable food security.
Production Enhancement
- Diversification: Promoting crop diversification to include pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) aims to increase the production of rice, wheat, and pulses.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Developing and promoting drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crop varieties. Focus on water conservation techniques like micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
- Precision Farming: Utilizing technology like drones and remote sensing to optimize fertilizer and water usage.
- Soil Health Management: Promoting organic farming, crop rotation, and the use of bio-fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
Distribution and Access
- Strengthening PDS: Ensuring efficient and leak-proof Public Distribution System (PDS) to provide subsidized food grains to the poor.
- Improved Rural Infrastructure: Investing in rural roads and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
- Promoting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Empowering farmers through collective bargaining and market access.
Consumption and Nutrition
- Nutrition Education: Raising awareness about balanced diets and the importance of micronutrients.
- Fortification of Food: Fortifying staple foods with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Promoting Millets: Encouraging the consumption of millets, which are highly nutritious and drought-resistant.
| Aspect | Pre-Green Revolution | Post-Green Revolution |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Low, Dependent on Monsoon | High, Increased significantly |
| Self-Sufficiency | No | Yes |
| Regional Impact | Even | Uneven, Disparities |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal | Significant (Soil degradation, water pollution) |
Conclusion
India’s journey towards food security has been marked by significant achievements and persistent challenges. While the Green Revolution averted widespread famine, its long-term sustainability is questionable. A shift towards diversified, climate-resilient, and nutritionally balanced agriculture is crucial. Strengthening distribution networks, promoting farmer empowerment, and raising nutritional awareness are equally important to ensure that every citizen has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger.
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.