Test: Food Security in India- 1 - UPSC MCQ

Introduction:
MSP refers to Minimum Support Price. It is an important concept in the agricultural sector that aims to provide farmers with a guaranteed price for their produce. The government sets a minimum price at which it will purchase certain agricultural commodities from farmers, ensuring that they receive a fair income for their efforts.
Explanation:
Here is a detailed explanation of MSP and its significance:
1. Minimum Support Price (MSP):
- MSP stands for Minimum Support Price.
- It is the price at which the government buys agricultural commodities from farmers.
- The MSP is determined by the government based on factors such as production cost, market prices, demand and supply dynamics, and the need to protect the interests of farmers.
2. Ensuring Fair Income:
- The primary objective of MSP is to ensure that farmers receive a fair and remunerative price for their produce.
- It acts as a safety net for farmers, protecting them from price fluctuations and market uncertainties.
- By providing a guaranteed minimum price, it incentivizes farmers to increase agricultural production and invest in modern farming techniques.
3. Commodities Covered:
- The government sets MSP for various agricultural commodities such as cereals (rice, wheat), pulses, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane, etc.
- The MSP is announced annually before the sowing season, giving farmers clarity on the expected prices for their crops.
4. Role of Government:
- The government announces and enforces the MSP through various agencies and procurement mechanisms.
- It procures agricultural commodities at the MSP directly from farmers or through designated agencies such as Food Corporation of India (FCI).
5. Significance:
- MSP helps in stabilizing agricultural prices and ensuring food security.
- It encourages farmers to produce more and invest in modern farming practices.
- MSP also acts as a reference price for other market participants, providing a benchmark for fair trade practices.
Conclusion:
MSP (Minimum Support Price) is a vital policy tool used by the government to support farmers and ensure their economic stability. It guarantees them a minimum price for their agricultural produce, protecting their interests and incentivizing agricultural growth. By understanding the concept and significance of MSP, farmers can make informed decisions and negotiate better prices for their crops.

At what price, the government purchases the food grain for making buffer stock?
The government purchases food grain for making buffer stock at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This is the price at which the government ensures that farmers receive a fair and remunerative price for their produce. The MSP is determined by the government based on factors such as the cost of production, market prices, and demand-supply dynamics. Here is a detailed explanation:
Minimum Support Price (MSP):
- The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price at which the government buys crops directly from farmers to create buffer stocks.
- It is designed to provide a safety net to farmers and protect them from price fluctuations in the market.
- The MSP is fixed by the government for each agricultural commodity (such as wheat, rice, pulses, etc.) before the sowing season.
- It is determined based on factors like the cost of production, market prices, demand-supply dynamics, and the need to ensure a fair price to farmers.
- The MSP acts as a floor price, ensuring that farmers receive a minimum price for their produce even if market prices fall below that level.
- The government procures food grains at MSP to create buffer stocks, which are used for various purposes such as maintaining food security, managing price stability, and distributing food through welfare schemes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the government purchases food grain for making buffer stock at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This ensures that farmers receive a fair and remunerative price for their produce and helps in achieving food security and price stability in the country.

Food Security Dimensions:
- Availability
- Accessibility
- Affordability
- Utilization
Explanation:
- Availability: Refers to the physical presence of food and the ability to produce or obtain it.
- Accessibility: Refers to the ability to obtain food in a timely and convenient manner.
- Affordability: Refers to the ability to purchase and afford an adequate quantity and quality of food.
- Utilization: Refers to the proper use and absorption of food by the body for optimal nutrition.
Answer:
D: Costly is not a dimension of food security.

Green Revolution in the 1960s was associated with:

• Answer: A



The Green Revolution in the 1960s was primarily associated with the production of wheat and rice. This agricultural transformation was aimed at increasing crop yields and addressing food shortages in developing countries.



• Explanation:




• The Green Revolution was a period of significant agricultural advancements that took place in the 1960s.


• It involved the development and implementation of new technologies and practices to increase agricultural productivity.


• The primary focus of the Green Revolution was on staple food crops like wheat and rice.


• The goal was to develop high-yielding varieties of these crops that could produce more grain per unit of land.


• This was achieved through the use of improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation methods.


• The Green Revolution had a significant impact on global food production, particularly in countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.


• It helped to increase crop yields, reduce dependence on food imports, and alleviate hunger and poverty in many developing nations.

India has more than 5.5 lakh shops, constituting the largest distribution network in the world. The introduction of rationing in India dates back to the 1940s Bengal famine. This rationing system was revived in the wake of acute food shortage during the early 1960s, before the Green Revolution.

Explanation:
The statement is true. Famine is characterized by widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics caused by forced use of contaminated water or decaying food. The loss of body resistance due to weakening from starvation further contributes to the occurrence of epidemics during famines.
Here is a detailed explanation:
Definition of Famine:
A famine is a severe shortage of food in a particular region or country, resulting in widespread hunger, malnutrition, and starvation among the population.
Characteristics of Famine:
1. Widespread deaths due to starvation: During a famine, there is a severe scarcity of food, which leads to widespread starvation among the population. Lack of access to nutritious food results in malnutrition and eventually leads to death.
2. Epidemics caused by contaminated water and decaying food: In times of famine, people often resort to using contaminated water sources or consuming decaying and unhygienic food. This leads to the spread of waterborne diseases and other epidemics, further worsening the situation.
3. Loss of body resistance due to weakening from starvation: Prolonged starvation weakens the body's immune system and reduces its ability to fight off diseases. As a result, individuals become more susceptible to various infections and diseases, which can spread rapidly in famine-affected areas.
Conclusion:
Famines are characterized by a combination of widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics caused by the forced use of contaminated water or decaying food. The loss of body resistance due to weakening from starvation further exacerbates the impact of the famine on the affected population.

Public Distribution System
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a government-led initiative in India that aims to provide subsidized food and essential commodities to eligible beneficiaries. It is associated with various channels through which these goods are distributed to the public. The options provided are fair price shops, cooperative stores, and super bazaars. Let's look at each option in detail:
1. Fair Price Shop:
- Fair price shops are retail outlets authorized by the government to sell essential commodities at subsidized rates to eligible beneficiaries.
- These shops are established in both urban and rural areas to ensure easy access to food and other necessary items.
- The government provides these shops with commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene at a lower cost, and they, in turn, sell them to the public.
2. Cooperative Stores:
- Cooperative stores are retail establishments owned and operated by cooperative societies.
- These stores aim to provide goods and services to their members at reasonable prices.
- They are managed democratically and are often set up in rural areas to cater to the needs of the local community.
3. Super Bazaars:
- Super bazaars are larger retail stores that offer a wide range of products, including food, clothing, household items, and more.
- While super bazaars may not be directly associated with the PDS, they may sometimes participate in government schemes to provide subsidized goods to the public.
Answer: The correct answer is option A: Fair Price Shop. It is the primary channel through which the Public Distribution System operates.
The Public Distribution System plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and addressing poverty in India. By providing subsidized food and essential commodities through fair price shops, cooperative stores, and sometimes super bazaars, the government aims to make these items affordable and accessible to the public, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Aim of India since independence:
India has had several aims and objectives since gaining independence in 1947. One of the key goals that India has been aiming at is self-sufficiency in food grains.
Reasons why self-sufficiency in food grains has been a priority:
- Ensuring food security: By achieving self-sufficiency in food grains, India aims to ensure that its population has access to an adequate and stable supply of food. This is crucial for the well-being and development of the country.
- Reducing dependence on imports: Prior to independence, India relied heavily on imports of food grains to meet its domestic demand. However, this dependency was not sustainable in the long run. Therefore, achieving self-sufficiency is important to reduce dependence on other countries for food.
- Mitigating the risk of famines: India has experienced devastating famines in the past, causing widespread hunger and loss of life. By focusing on self-sufficiency, the government aims to prevent such occurrences in the future and ensure that its citizens have access to affordable and nutritious food.
- Boosting agricultural productivity: Emphasizing self-sufficiency in food grains has led to increased investment in agriculture, including the development of irrigation systems, implementation of modern farming techniques, and research and development in the agricultural sector. This has helped to increase agricultural productivity and overall food production in the country.
Measures taken to achieve self-sufficiency in food grains:
- Green Revolution: In the 1960s and 1970s, India launched the Green Revolution, which aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through the use of high-yielding varieties of crops, modern irrigation techniques, and improved farm management practices. This initiative significantly increased food grain production in the country.
- Subsidies and support to farmers: The government has provided various subsidies, loans, and assistance to farmers to encourage agricultural production. This includes providing subsidized fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation facilities, as well as access to credit and insurance schemes.
- Technological advancements: Investments in research and development in agriculture have led to the development of improved crop varieties, better farming practices, and the adoption of modern machinery and technologies.
- Investment in rural infrastructure: The government has focused on improving rural infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and marketing channels, to facilitate the efficient movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets.
Impact of achieving self-sufficiency in food grains:
- Improved food security: India has made significant progress in ensuring food security for its population. The country has been able to meet its domestic demand for food grains and has even become a net exporter of certain agricultural commodities.
- Reduction in hunger and poverty: Increased food production and availability have contributed to a reduction in hunger and poverty levels in the country. Access to affordable and nutritious food has improved the overall well-being of the population.
- Economic growth: The agricultural sector plays a significant role in India's economy, employing a large portion of the workforce. By achieving self-sufficiency in food grains, the government has contributed to the growth and development of the agricultural sector, which in turn has a positive impact on the overall economy.
In conclusion, since independence, India has been aiming at achieving self-sufficiency in food grains. This objective has been pursued through various measures such as the Green Revolution, subsidies to farmers, technological advancements, and investment in rural infrastructure. The focus on self-s

Academy of Development Science and Grain Banks
The Academy of Development Science has facilitated a network of NGOs for setting up grain banks in different regions. The question asks in which state this network has been established. Let's examine each option to find the correct answer.
Option A: Andhra Pradesh
- No information is given about the Academy of Development Science facilitating a network of NGOs for setting up grain banks in Andhra Pradesh.
Option B: Maharashtra
- The correct answer is Maharashtra as the Academy of Development Science has facilitated a network of NGOs for setting up grain banks in this state.
Option C: Karnataka
- No information is given about the Academy of Development Science facilitating a network of NGOs for setting up grain banks in Karnataka.
Option D: Kerala
- No information is given about the Academy of Development Science facilitating a network of NGOs for setting up grain banks in Kerala.
Conclusion
Based on the information provided, the correct answer is Maharashtra.

Milk colour is white like in green revolution is associated with plants .white revolution .it is about the production of milk .colour of rice is also white but answer is not rice because rice is obtained from plant and plant is associated from green revolution