Table of contents |
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What is Food Security? |
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Why Food Security? |
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Who are Food-insecure? |
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Food Security in India |
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What is Public Distribution System (PDS)? |
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Food security means that food is available, accessible, and affordable for everyone at all times.
The poorest section of society might often face food insecurity. Even those above the poverty line can experience food shortages during national disasters like earthquakes, droughts, floods, tsunamis, or widespread crop failures leading to famine.
In rural areas, the most affected individuals are:
In urban areas, those facing food insecurity include:
The National Health and Family Survey (NHFS) 1998-99 estimates that about 11 crore women and children are affected.
Food is as vital for life as air is for breathing. The stability of food security relies on the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the government's attentiveness and action when this security is threatened. Food security encompasses the following aspects:
In the 1970s, food security was defined as the 'constant availability of adequate supplies of essential food items' (UN, 1975). Amartya Sen introduced a new aspect to food security, highlighting the importance of 'access' to food through what he termed 'entitlements' — a mix of what can be produced or exchanged in the market and what is provided by the state or society.
Therefore, food security in a country is achieved only if:
Food Grain Self-sufficiency
Green Revolution Agriculture
Since gaining Independence, our government has recognised the need to become self-sufficient in food grains, particularly after the serious food shortages following partition in 1947. The need for self-sufficiency stems from the following reasons:
After Independence, Indian policymakers took various steps to ensure self-sufficiency in food grains. This included a new agricultural strategy leading to the 'Green Revolution', particularly in wheat and rice production. Indira Gandhi, who was Prime Minister at the time, highlighted the significant achievements of the Green Revolution by issuing a special stamp named 'Wheat Revolution' in July 1968.
The rates of seasonal and chronic hunger in India have decreased, showing progress in food security.
Hunger is often linked to poverty. Thus, achieving food security means not only addressing current hunger but also reducing the risk of future hunger.
Food Grains Stockpile
Since the beginning of the Green Revolution in the early 1970s, India has successfully avoided famine, even under difficult weather conditions. Over the past 30 years, India has achieved self-sufficiency in food grains by cultivating a variety of crops across the nation. The Indian government has established a food security system, which consists of two key components: (a) buffer stock and (b) public distribution system. This system includes:
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is the most significant initiative by the Government of India (GoI) to ensure food security. Alongside the PDS, several poverty alleviation programmes have been launched that include food security aspects. Some of these programmes are:
The National Food Security Act, 2013 ensures food and nutritional security at affordable prices, allowing individuals to live with dignity. Under this act, 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are identified as eligible households for food security.
Additionally, various cooperatives and NGOs are actively contributing to this effort. People living below the poverty line may face constant food insecurity, while those who are better off might also experience food insecurity due to disasters or emergencies.
Food Grain Stock
Ration Card Types
There are three kinds of ration cards:
The system of rationing in India started in the 1940s due to the Bengal famine. It was brought back in the 1960s during a severe food shortage, just before the Green Revolution. Because of high poverty levels reported by the NSSO in the mid-1970s, three key food intervention programmes were established:
In 2000, two special programmes were introduced: Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Annapurna Scheme (APS), aimed at the poorest and needy elderly, respectively. These schemes were connected to the existing PDS network.
Overflowing Food Granaries
Full Granaries, Empty Plates
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1. What is food security? | ![]() |
2. Why is food security important? | ![]() |
3. Who are considered food-insecure? | ![]() |
4. What is the Public Distribution System (PDS)? | ![]() |
5. What are some key concepts related to food security in India? | ![]() |