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. India has made remarkable strides in food production since the Green Revolution, reaching record levels. However, despite the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other interventions, significant pockets of food insecurity persist. The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data reveals that 12.6% of rural households reported skipping meals due to a lack of food or money to buy it, highlighting the complex interplay of factors that continue to challenge food security in the country. This answer will explore these factors, analyzing the reasons behind this paradox.
Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity in India
1. Economic Factors
- Poverty and Income Inequality: A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, lacking the purchasing power to access adequate food. Income inequality exacerbates this issue, concentrating resources in the hands of a few while many struggle for basic sustenance. According to the World Bank, India’s Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, stood at 0.36 in 2019.
- Unemployment and Underemployment: Lack of stable employment and widespread underemployment, especially in the informal sector, reduce household incomes, limiting food access. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened this situation.
- Food Price Volatility: Fluctuations in food prices, driven by factors like climate change, global market dynamics, and hoarding, make it difficult for low-income households to afford food.
2. Social Factors
- Social Stratification and Discrimination: Marginalized communities like Dalits, Adivasis, and women often face systemic discrimination, limiting their access to resources and opportunities, including food.
- Lack of Awareness and Education: Limited awareness about nutrition and healthy eating habits contributes to malnutrition and food insecurity, even when food is available.
- Gender Inequality: Women often have less access to resources and decision-making power within households, impacting their ability to secure food for their families.
3. Geographical and Environmental Factors
- Climate Change and Erratic Rainfall: Unpredictable monsoon patterns, droughts, and floods disrupt agricultural production, leading to food shortages and price increases. The 2002 drought, for instance, severely impacted agricultural output.
- Poor Soil Health: Degradation of soil quality due to unsustainable agricultural practices reduces crop yields and overall food production.
- Regional Disparities: Food insecurity is more prevalent in certain regions, particularly in eastern and central India, due to factors like poor infrastructure, inadequate irrigation, and lower agricultural productivity.
4. Systemic and Policy-Related Factors
- Inefficiencies in the Public Distribution System (PDS): Leakages, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure in the PDS reduce its effectiveness in reaching vulnerable populations. The NFHS-4 reported that only 43% of beneficiaries received PDS grains regularly.
- Storage and Wastage: Significant food wastage occurs at various stages of the supply chain, from farm to consumer, due to inadequate storage facilities and inefficient logistics. Approximately 30% of food produced in India is estimated to be wasted.
- Lack of Diversification in Food Systems: Over-reliance on a few staple crops makes the food system vulnerable to shocks and limits nutritional diversity.
- Impact of Trade Policies: Fluctuations in global commodity prices and trade policies can impact domestic food prices and availability.
Case Study: The Situation in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, exemplifies the persistent food insecurity despite overall national progress. While the state has a relatively high agricultural production, significant portions of the population, particularly tribal communities, continue to face malnutrition and food shortages. Factors contributing to this include inaccessible terrain, inadequate infrastructure for food transportation, systemic issues within the PDS, and the impact of Naxal violence on agricultural activities. Government initiatives like the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award scheme (aimed at improving nutrition) have had limited impact due to implementation challenges.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| PDS Leakages | Diversion of food grains meant for the poor to black markets. |
| Climate Change | Increased frequency of droughts and floods impacting crop yields. |
| Soil Degradation | Loss of soil fertility due to unsustainable farming practices. |
Conclusion
Despite significant progress in food production and distribution, persistent food insecurity in India is a complex issue rooted in economic disparities, social inequalities, geographical vulnerabilities, and systemic inefficiencies. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach, including strengthening the PDS, improving storage and logistics, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, empowering marginalized communities, and ensuring equitable access to resources. A focus on diversification of food systems and promoting nutritional awareness is also crucial. Ultimately, achieving true food security necessitates a commitment to inclusive growth and social justice.
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.