Unit Test (Solutions): Food Security in India | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M. 30
Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. Which act provides legal food security in India? (1 Mark)
a) Public Food Security Act, 2010
b) National Food Security Act, 2013
c) Indian Food Rights Act, 2012
d) National Public Food Act, 2011

Ans: b) 
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 provides legal food security in India. This act aims to provide affordable, safe, and nutritious food to all priority households.

Q2. In which year did the Bengal famine occur? (1 Mark)
a) 1942
b) 1943
c) 1944
d) 1945

Ans: b) 
The Bengal Famine occurred in 1943. It was caused by a shortage of rice, high prices, and poor relief measures during World War II.

Q3. What is the full form of PDS? (1 Mark)

a) Public Distribution System
b) Public Development Scheme
c) People’s Distribution Service
d) Public Development System

Ans: a)
PDS stands for Public Distribution System. It's main aim is to make food affordable and accessible to the poor.

Q4. Which programme was introduced in 1975 to enhance food security? (1 Mark)

Ans: The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme was introduced in 1975.

Q5. What is the name of the cooperative known for the White Revolution in India? (1 Mark)

Ans: The cooperative known for the White Revolution in India is Amul.

Q6. Explain the difference between chronic and seasonal hunger. (2 Marks)

Ans: 

• Chronic Hunger: Results from a diet persistently inadequate in quantity and quality, usually due to low income.

• Seasonal Hunger: Occurs at certain times of the year due to lack of work or poor harvest, common among agricultural labourers and casual workers.

Q7. How does the Public Distribution System (PDS) help ensure food security? (2 Marks)

Ans: 

• Distributes foodgrains, sugar, and kerosene at subsidised prices through Fair Price Shops.

• Ensures affordable access to essential items for poor households, reducing food insecurity.

Q8. What role do cooperatives play in food security in India? (2 Marks)

Ans: 

• Amul and Mother Dairy provide milk and vegetables at controlled rates.

• ADS Grain Banks in Maharashtra ensure grain availability to the poor through NGO networks.

Q9. Describe the impact of the Green Revolution on food security in India. (3 Marks)

Ans: 

• Introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, along with modern farming techniques.

• Helped India achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains, avoiding famines even in adverse weather.

• States like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab saw high growth, with total production reaching 315 million tonnes in 2021–22.

Q10. Who are the most food-insecure groups in India, and why? (3 Marks)

Ans: 

• Rural: Landless labourers, traditional artisans, petty self-employed workers, destitutes.

• Urban: Low-wage, seasonal, and casual workers.

• Reasons: Low income, lack of land, and irregular employment reduce their capacity to buy sufficient, nutritious food.

Q11. What are the problems associated with the functioning of ration shops in India? (3 Marks)

Ans: Ration shops face issues like malpractices (diverting grains to open markets), selling poor-quality grains, irregular opening hours, and unsold stock accumulation. High prices for APL families reduce their incentive to buy, leading to inefficiencies and foodgrain wastage.

Q12. Discuss the causes and consequences of the Bengal Famine of 1943. (5 Marks)

Ans: Causes:

• Shortage of Rice: Production fell to 76 lakh tonnes in 1943 from 93 lakh tonnes in 1942, reducing total availability to 79 lakh tonnes.
• Price Surge: Reduced supply increased rice prices, making it unaffordable for many.
• War-Time Disruptions: World War II disrupted food distribution, exacerbating shortages.
• Neglect by Authorities: Inadequate government response failed to address the crisis.

Consequences:

• Mass Starvation: Around 30 lakh people died due to starvation and related epidemics.
• Social Impact: Agricultural labourers, fishermen, and casual workers were worst affected, leading to widespread displacement and suffering.
• Policy Changes: The famine led to the revival of rationing and strengthened the PDS to prevent future crises.

Q13. Explain the components of India’s food security system and their role in addressing food insecurity. (5 Marks)

Ans: India’s food security system comprises:

1. Buffer Stock:
   • Role: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures wheat and rice at Minimum Support Price (MSP) from surplus states, storing them in granaries. This ensures food availability during shortages or calamities.
   • Impact: Distributes food to deficit areas and poorer sections at subsidized issue prices, preventing hunger.
2. Public Distribution System (PDS):
   • Role: Distributes foodgrains, sugar, and kerosene through 5.5 lakh ration shops at subsidized rates to BPL, APL, and Antyodaya cardholders.
   • Impact: Enhances affordability and access for the poor, reducing food insecurity.
3. Poverty Alleviation Programmes:
   • Role: Programmes like ICDS, Mid-Day Meals, and Food-for-Work provide food and income support. AAY targets the poorest with highly subsidized grains.
   • Impact: Improves nutrition and income, addressing chronic and seasonal hunger.
     These components collectively ensure food availability, accessibility, and affordability, mitigating food insecurity, especially during crises.