Challenges of Food Security in India - Background, Challenges Faced & Solutions | UPSC Economy Notes

Food Security in India is one of the most important challenges for both the Central Government and various State Governments of India. The Government has also been implementing various measures and schemes to deal with the challenges of food security in India. The topic of Challenges of Food Security in India is particularly important from the exam point of view as questions can be asked about this topic in both the Preliminary (GS 1 Exam) and the social sector section of the UPSC mains (GS 3) of the UPSC examination.

In this article on the Challenges of Food Security in India, we shall discuss what it is, its history, significance, issues associated & other details. This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam.

Also, check the article on Issues Relating to Poverty and Hunger in India here.

Challenges of Food Security in India – Background, Challenges Faced & Solutions: Download PDF here!

Recent Update

The Global Hunger Index for 2022 is the 17th edition since 2006. India is ranked 107th out of 121 nations in the Global Hunger Index 2022 (down from the index of 101 in 2021). India has a level of hunger that is serious with a score of 29.1.

On the Global Hunger Index 2021, India is ranked 101 out of 116 nations, indicating “serious” hunger levels. The score had a value of 27.5. However, India’s rating on the Global Hunger Index was rejected by the Central Government since it was “flawed.” Only one of the four indicators – Undernourishment, child mortality, child wasting and child wasting—undernourishment—relates directly to hunger and there is barely any proof that hunger contributes to child mortality.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), based in the US, and Welthungerhilfe, based in Germany, jointly produced the first edition of the Global Hunger Index in 2006. Concern Worldwide, an Irish NGO, joined as a co-publisher in 2007.

Background on Food Security and its Important Components

• Food Security means that every member of society must always have access to enough food to meet their dietary needs and lead healthy, active lifestyles.
• The ultimate goal of Food Security in India should be ensuring that everyone always has physical and financial access to the food they need.
• The three pillars of food security access are: Money (having enough money or other resources to buy food), consumption (having enough of the correct kinds of food on hand), and availability (having enough of the right kinds of food on hand).
• However, the challenges of food security create a hurdle in the implementation of these pillars.
• Also, there have been certain instances in the past in India when the issue of food security has been of prime concern.
  • For example, during the Indo-China War of 1962 or the India-Pakistan War of 1971.
  • Also, during the occurrence of the National Emergency in 1977, the issue of food security gained importance.
• Thus, many policies have been formulated and implemented thereafter to ensure Food Security is maintained in India.

Why is Food Security Important for a Nation?

• “All people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to support a healthy and active life,” said the 1996 World Food Summit.
• Food is our main source of nutrition, hence the development of the nation’s food system is essential.
• Food security has long been a cause for worry at the international, national, regional, state, household, and individual levels.
• The issue of food security has become very critical in many parts of the world.

Know what is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) here.

What is Food Security in India?

Food security refers to the constant availability, affordability, and accessibility of food for all people. When there is difficulty with the production or distribution of food crops, poor households are more susceptible to food insecurity. The Public Distribution System (PDS) and government awareness and action when this security is challenged are essential for maintaining food security. For survival, food is just as important as breathing in air. But achieving food security entails more than just eating two square meals per day.

Dimensions of Food Security

The various dimensions of food security are listed below.

• Food production domestically, food imports and the stock from the previous year kept in government granaries are all considered to be available.
• Accessibility implies that food is available to everyone.
• A person must be financially capable of purchasing enough wholesome food to satisfy their nutritional needs in order to be considered affordable.

Therefore, a nation’s food security is only guaranteed if there is enough food available for everyone, everyone has the means to buy food of a sufficient standard, and there are no obstacles in the way of obtaining food.

Reasons for Challenges with Food Security in India

Following are the reasons for challenges faced in India with food Security

Poorly Managed Nutritional Programmes

Priority should be given to developing and implementing nutritional programmes under strict supervision.

High Levels of Poverty

One of the key problems that must be addressed for the nation to achieve the necessary level of food security is poverty.

Enhanced Use of Biofuels

Less land has been used to cultivate food crops as the market for biofuels has expanded.

Growing Population

Despite the fact that a large portion of Indians work in agriculture, the nation’s growing population makes it difficult to feed everyone. Over 40 million children are chronically malnourished, and more than half of Indian women between the ages of 15 and 49 are anaemic, according to the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016–18.

Lack of Proper Information

Students are not given enough instruction or training in new farming techniques, products, or technology. When employing conventional farming methods, the production of food grains, etc., is a little slower and takes a little longer.

Corruption

Corrupt practises, such as selling subpar grains at ration stores, diverting grains to the open market for increased earnings, and irregular store openings, exacerbate the problem of food poverty.

Climate Change

Over the past few years, climate change has had a significant impact on farming and agricultural activity. Agriculture and food security will continue to be impacted by climate change, which might have serious repercussions for the weak and the less fortunate.

Check out Green Revolution in India here.

Steps to be Taken to Ensure Food Security

Several steps have been taken to ensure Food Security. Some of them are discussed below:

Participation in the Community and Sectoral Collaboration

• People’s nutritional levels will improve if a very basic, well-targeted provision of nutrition services is provided using a multi-sectoral approach.
• Another area that, if addressed, can yield positive results is redesigning current direct nutrition programmes to permit leadership by women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) and/or local bodies.

Increasing Public Awareness using Social Media and IEC Programmes

• IEC and training resources should be created depending on needs in order to effectively communicate concepts linked to nutrition.
• It will be beneficial to use structured and participatory communication approaches to spread important dietary and family health practices among the populace.

Quick Dietary Programme Evaluation and Monitoring

• It is essential to put a comprehensive community-based plan into action.
• Even simple strategies like encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, nutritious complementary foods, growth monitoring, and stimulation of development can provide astounding outcomes.

Implementing Strategies to Increase Agricultural Productivity and Food Storage

• To encourage more irrigation use and modern farming techniques, the government must develop a comprehensive policy framework.
• The policy’s primary goals should be to increase farm size, more evenly distribute cultivable land, give tenant farmers security, improve agricultural supplies and technology, such as irrigation systems, higher-quality seeds, fertilisers, and financing with cheaper interest rates.

Implementing Initiatives to Increase Employment to Increase Purchasing Power

• More comprehensive initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) should be developed by the government (MGNREGA).

Crop Diversification, Creation of Grain Banks for Food, and Encouragement of Backyard Gardening

• The need for Crop diversification is demonstrated by the higher profitability and reliable output when using rice and wheat in place of legumes. It is essential to encourage the growth of non-cereal crops such fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds.
• It will be a great idea to establish decentralized grain production banks within every village or district block, wherein residents may buy grain at a discount in exchange for food vouchers. This strategy will lessen corruption while increasing the availability of food grains.

Study Minimum Support Price in India (MSP) here.

Government Measures to Improve Food Security in India during the Covid 19

The following government measures will help to mitigate the challenges of food security in India.

National Food Security Mission

• At its 53rd meeting on May 29, 2007, the National Development Council (NDC) decided to launch a project to increase annual output of rice, wheat, and pulses by 10 million tonnes, 8 million tonnes, and 2 million tonnes, respectively, by the conclusion of the Eleventh Plan (2011-12).
• As a result, the “National Food Security Mission,” a government-sponsored programme, was launched in October 2007. (NFSM).
• This scheme will thus greatly help to mitigate the challenges of food security in India.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

• In order to ensure the complete growth of the agricultural sector and adjacent sectors, the RKVY programme was formed in 2007.
• As long as they follow the district/state agriculture plan, states are allowed to choose their own agricultural and associated sector expansion strategies.
• The effort has made great progress since it began, and it was completed in two plan periods (11th and 12th).
• The scheme incentivizes States to increase public investment in Agriculture & allied sectors.
• This scheme will greatly help to deal with the challenges of food security in India.

Read more about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana here.

Integrated Scheme Of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil palm and Maize (ISOPOM)

• To increase the nation’s output of oilseeds, particularly soybean, the government is executing the Centrally Sponsored Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) in 14 of the major oilseed-growing States.

This scheme will help to reduce the challenges of food security in India by helping farmers to receive financial assistance for the following:   The acquisition of breeder seed The manufacturing of foundation seed The manufacturing and distribution of certified seed The distribution of seed mini kits The distribution of weedicides Weed control tools Crop protection chemicals

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

• This scheme was launched on 18th February 2016.
• If farmers suffer crop loss or damage as a result of natural disasters including pest and disease assaults, hailstorms, droughts, floods, cyclones, heavy and unseasonal rains, etc., they may be eligible for financial support under PMFBY.
• The programme is the third-largest crop insurance programme in the world in terms of premiums.
• PMFBY is being implemented in 27 States and Union Territories.

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

• The National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, which was passed on July 5, 2013, represents a paradigm shift in the approach to food security from a welfare-based to a rights-based methodology, despite the fact that government has long utilized the Public Distribution System and the Targeted Public Distribution System to focus on the problem of “food security” at the household level.
• According to the Act, the targeted public distribution system may provide subsidised foodgrains to up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.

International Organizations involved in Ensuring Food Security

The following organizations are working to reduce the challenges of food security in India.

Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)

• The UN Food and Agriculture Organization is responsible for leading global efforts to end hunger (FAO).
• Their goal is to guarantee that everyone has regular access to enough healthful food to lead active, healthy lives.
• More than 195 members, including 194 member nations along with the European Union, are represented by members of the FAO, which conducts business in more than 130 countries worldwide.

Also, read about the Agricultural Pricing and Crop Insurance Issues here for the UPSC Exam!

World Food Programme (WFP)

• The largest humanitarian organisation in the world, the World Food Programme, provides food assistance to help people recover from natural catastrophes, armed conflict, and the effects of climate change. This makes room for achievement, stability, and harmony.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

• The offices of the international financial organisation and specialised agency known as IFAD are located in Rome, which serves as the UN’s hub for food and agriculture.
• The Organization has supported programmes that have aided an estimated 518 million people with grants and low-interest loans totalling $23.2 billion since 1978.
• By providing them with the resources they need to raise their own incomes, ensure their own food security, and enhance their families’ nutrition, it invests in rural residents.

Check the details of the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) here.

World Bank

• On May 18, 2022, the World Bank said that as part of a comprehensive, global solution to the enduring issue of food security, it will invest up to $30 billion in ongoing and new programmes in sectors like agriculture, nutrition, social protection, water, and irrigation.
• Initiatives will be carried out with the use of this financing to support the production of food and fertiliser, enhance food systems, encourage trade, and assist producers and vulnerable households.
• In order to rapidly and wisely address the growing global hunger crisis on May 19, 2022, the World Bank Group and the G7 Presidency jointly organised the Global Alliance for Food Security.

Challenges of Food Security Over the Globe

Major challenges to food security are discussed below:

Residents living in Urban Areas face a significant Food Insecurity

• The significant amount of the workforce that is unorganized, which promotes the unrestrained growth of slums devoid of the most basic amenities for sanitation and health, is the primary cause contributing to the problem of food insecurity in urban areas and demanding action.

Food Insecurity in Tribal and Rural Areas

• The lack of the resources and markets required to maintain agricultural stability is the fundamental barrier impeding an increase in agricultural production.
• The emphasis moved to budget reduction as structural adjustment programmes were adopted beginning in the early 1990s.

Food Insecurity faced by Mothers and Children

• Due to concerns with gender inequality, poverty, a lack of education, and overpopulation, the children are food insecure.
• One of the main causes is poverty, which restricts the amount of food that youngsters can access.

Issue of Pay Disparity

• Based on gender, there are inequalities in salary rates in India. Women face more barriers to employment in rural areas than do males. This, directly and indirectly, impacts the food security of the entire family.

Inadequate cooperation across various stakeholders dealing with Food Security

• The issue has gotten worse since there is a lack of intersectoral coordination among many government organisations, including the Ministry of Women’s and Children’s Health, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, etc.

An Ineffective System for Delivering Food

• A further element contributing to the country’s rising food insecurity is inadequate food distribution through Public Distribution Systems (PDS).
• Because of the arbitrary and state-specific criteria used to assess whether a household is below the poverty line, the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) disqualifies those who are eligible for the subsidy (BPL).

Nutritional Programmes are not being monitored

• The country has various programmes with boosting nutrition as their main objective, however many of them are not well implemented.
• For instance, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme has not yet been implemented in several states (MDMS).
• All the above-mentioned challenges of food security in India create a hurdle in the implementation of government schemes.

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International Initiatives Undertaken

The following initiatives will help to reduce the challenges of food security in India.

The High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on Global Food and Nutrition Security

• It was established by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2008.
• In order to solve the issue of assuring food and nutrition security on a worldwide scale, this initiative aims to promote the creation of a comprehensive and coordinated global response.

Zero Hunger Challenge

• At the 2012 Rio+20 World Conference on Sustainable Development, the UN Secretary-General announced the Zero Hunger Challenge. According to this rule, no food should be wasted or lost.

Some Other Initiatives

• CGIAR Fund
• CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
• Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP)
• L’Aquila Food Security Initiative (AFSI)
• Global Crop Diversity Trust
• The Economist Food Security Index
• Global Food Safety Partnership (GFSP)
• Zero Hunger Challenge
• New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition

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Conclusion

• If there is enough nutritious food accessible for all of its residents, if everyone can access it at a fair price, and if there are no barriers to obtaining it, then a country is considered to have adequate food security.
• One of the pillars of international human rights law is the right to eat. It now includes the requirement that states parties defend, uphold, and fulfil the right of their citizens to food security.
• Thus, the challenges of food security in India need to be dealt with in a more sustainable manner.

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