Test: Food Security In India- 2 - UPSC MCQ

In Tamil Nadu out of all fair price shops, 94 % are run by cooperatives whose prices are decided by the government.

The Correct Answer is A' Chronic Hunger'

Chronic hunger is a consequence of diets persistently inadequate in terms of quantity and/or quality.

The Correct Answer is D 

This statement is not correct. In the Public Distribution System (PDS), the government typically provides essential food grains, such as rice and wheat, to eligible beneficiaries at subsidized prices. These subsidized prices are lower than market rates, and the objective is to ensure that low-income individuals have access to affordable food. 

MSP is declared even before sowing is done to encourage farmers so that farmers remain satisfied that they will not have to worry for selling the crop.If MSP would not be there, farmers would sell it to the market where people will do bargaining and not give enough money to farmer to start another crop and that is why farmer suicide cases are there.MSP is generally higher than market price.

The Bengal famine of 1943 was a major famine happened in the Bengal province in British India during World War II.

The Correct Answer is D: Shopkeepers

Shopkeepers are less likely to be affected by food insecurity compared to the other groups listed (landless people with little or no land, traditional artisans, petty self-employed workers). Shopkeepers are typically involved in the retail business and may have a more stable source of income, which can provide them with some level of economic security.

The Academy of Development Science head offices is located in the city of Pune of Maharashtra. Academy helps to facilitate assists in setting up of Grain banks in several areas. It also helps in building the programmes for security of food for NGO.

The Annapurna Scheme has been launched with effect from 1st April, 2000. It aims at providing food security to meet the requirement of those senior citizens who, though eligible, have remained uncovered under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS). 

The Correct Answer is D.

The National Food Security Act 2013, also known as Right to Food Act, is an Indian Act of Parliament which aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of the country's 1.4 billion people. It was signed into law on 12 September 2013, retroactive to 5 July 2013.

The Correct Answer is B

Wheat-growing areas benefited from the Green Revolution.

A: True

Food security does indeed mean the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food to all people at all times. This is a widely accepted definition of food security that encompasses the idea that not only should there be enough food, but it should also be accessible and affordable to ensure that everyone has enough to eat.

D: Proper and best maintenance of food grains.

The argument "Proper and best maintenance of food grains" actually supports the idea of having high levels of buffer stocks of food grains. Proper maintenance ensures that the food grains remain in good condition and are available in case of emergencies or shortages. Therefore, it is not an argument against having high buffer stocks; it emphasizes the importance of maintaining these stocks appropriately.

Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, officially recorded the impressive strides of the Green revolution in agriculture by releasing a special stamp entitled 'Wheat Revolution' in July 1968. The success of wheat was later replicated in rice.

The worst affected groups by food insecurity are landless people, self-employed workers, beggars, and traditional artisans. The social composition also plays a role in food insecurity as the SCs, STs, and some sections of the OBCs are prone to food insecurity.

A: Fair Price Shops

Ration shops are also commonly known as Fair Price Shops in many regions. These shops are government-regulated and provide essential commodities to eligible beneficiaries at subsidized prices as part of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India and similar systems in other countries

A: to solve the problem of shortage of food

The main purpose of a buffer stock scheme is to address the problem of shortages of essential commodities, including food grains. Buffer stocks are created to ensure a stable supply of these commodities in the market and to stabilize prices during periods of scarcity or fluctuation in production. They are not primarily intended to support farmers or create stock for profit.

A: True

The stock of food grains like wheat and rice procured by the government through agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is indeed known as "buffer stock." This buffer stock is maintained to stabilize food prices in the market and to ensure food security during times of shortage or emergencies.

In the years 2001-02 and 2003-04 our country crossed the 200 million tonnes per year mark in food grain production.

B: Lower than the market price

The issue price of essential commodities, such as food grains, in a public distribution system (PDS) is typically lower than the market price. It is subsidized by the government to make these commodities more affordable to the eligible beneficiaries and ensure food security for low-income individuals and families.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) plays a key role in ensuring food security in India. 

1. Buffer Stock: The government maintains a reserve of food grains, mainly wheat and rice, which is called the buffer stock.

2. Procurement: The FCI procures these food grains from farmers in states where there is surplus production.

   • Surplus production means that the state produces more wheat and rice than it needs for local consumption.

3. Purpose: This system helps ensure that food grains are readily available to meet national needs, especially during times of scarcity or emergencies.

   • It also guarantees income to farmers by purchasing their produce at a pre-determined price (Minimum Support Price - MSP).