Self-sufficiency in food grains:
India's aim since independence has been to achieve self-sufficiency in food grains. This means that the country wants to produce enough food within its borders to meet the needs of its growing population without relying heavily on imports. This goal is crucial for ensuring food security and reducing dependence on other countries for meeting the basic needs of its citizens.

Reasons for the focus on self-sufficiency in food grains:
1. Population growth: India has experienced significant population growth since independence, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. With a large population to feed, it becomes essential to increase food production to meet the rising demand.

2. Poverty and hunger: India has a significant proportion of its population living below the poverty line, and many people struggle with hunger and malnutrition. Achieving self-sufficiency in food grains can help address these issues by ensuring an adequate supply of affordable food for all.

3. Agricultural potential: India is blessed with abundant agricultural resources, including fertile land, diverse climates, and a vast workforce engaged in farming. By harnessing these resources effectively, the country can boost agricultural productivity and achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

4. Economic stability: Dependence on food imports can make a country vulnerable to price fluctuations in the global market. By achieving self-sufficiency, India can stabilize food prices and reduce the risk of food shortages during times of international crises or trade disruptions.

Measures taken to achieve self-sufficiency in food grains:
1. Green Revolution: The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s, focused on increasing agricultural productivity through the use of high-yielding varieties of seeds, modern irrigation techniques, and chemical fertilizers. This led to a significant increase in food grain production, particularly in wheat and rice.

2. Agricultural reforms: The government introduced various agricultural reforms to promote modern farming practices, improve irrigation facilities, provide access to credit and subsidies, and enhance farmers' income. These measures aimed to incentivize farmers to increase their production and contribute to self-sufficiency.

3. Investment in research and development: The government has invested in agricultural research and development to develop improved crop varieties, pest-resistant seeds, and better farming techniques. This has helped increase crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.

4. Infrastructure development: The government has focused on developing rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, transportation networks, and market linkages. These infrastructural developments have played a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring efficient distribution of food grains.

5. Food security programs: The government has implemented various food security programs, such as the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the National Food Security Act (NFSA), to ensure the availability of subsidized food grains to vulnerable sections of society. These programs aim to address the issue of hunger and malnutrition while simultaneously supporting the goal of self-sufficiency.

In conclusion, achieving self-sufficiency in food grains has been a primary aim for India since independence. Through various measures and initiatives, the country has made significant progress in increasing food production and reducing dependence on imports. However, challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices continue to be addressed to maintain and enhance self-sufficiency in the future.