Food Security in India

Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability of food to all people at all times.

1. Availability (Production + Imports - Stock). 2. Accessibility (Reach of every person). 3. Affordability (Capacity to buy).

To distribute foodgrains in deficit areas and among poorer strata of society at a price lower than market price (Issue Price). Also for emergencies.

Public Distribution System. The system through which FCI distributes foodgrains procured from farmers to proper sections of society through Ration Shops.

Minimum Support Price. The price at which the government (FCI) promises to buy crops from farmers. Declared before sowing season to incentivize production.

Food Corporation of India. It procures grain from farmers and maintains the buffer stock.

The most devastating famine in India. Killed 30 lakh people. Caused by shortage of rice and high prices.

Economist who added the dimension of 'Entitlement' and 'Access' to food security.

Not just empty stomach, but chronic inadequacy. 1. Chronic Hunger (Persistent inadequate diet). 2. Seasonal Hunger (Due to crop cycles).

Provides for food and nutritional security. 75% rural and 50% urban population are eligible for subsidized foodgrains.

Ration shops. They sell stock (wheat, rice, kerosene, sugar) at lower prices to card holders.

Launched in 2000. Identified 1 crore poorest families. Provided 25kg (later 35kg) grain at Rs 2 (wheat) and Rs 3 (rice).

Payment by govt to producer/supplier to keep prices low for consumer. It bridges the gap between cost and price.

They provide food security in South/West India. e.g., Amul (Gujarat), Mother Dairy (Delhi), Academy of Development Science (Maharashtra grain banks).

Since Green Revolution, India has avoided famine even during adverse weather. We became self-sufficient in foodgrains.

Landless people, traditional artisans, destitute, homeless, SC/ST/OBCs, and migrants.

The lowered price at which food is sold at ration shops.

Criticisms: Granaries overflow while poor starve, rotting grain, corruption in ration shops (diverting grain to open market).

1. Antyodaya (Poorest). 2. BPL (Below Poverty Line). 3. APL (Above Poverty Line).

Starvation deaths reported despite overall food sufficiency.

Food security ensures no one sleeps hungry.

1943 Bengal Famine killed 3 million.

Agricultural labourers/fishermen were affected.

India aims for Self-sufficiency.

Indira Gandhi released 'Wheat Revolution' stamp (1968).

Availability is total production.

Accessibility means within reach.

Affordability means money to buy.

Famine leads to starvation and epidemics.

Chronic hunger reduced in rural areas.

Punjab/Haryana produce surplus wheat.

Buffer Stock is maintained by FCI.

MSP incentivizes farmers.

Issue Price < Market Price.

Fair Price Shops = Ration Shops.

5.5 lakh ration shops in India.

Rationing started in 1940s (Bengal famine).

Revived in 1970s due to high poverty.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) 1975.

Food for Work (FFW) 1977.

PDS is the largest scheme in world.

Targeted PDS (TPDS) introduced in 1997.

AAY for poorest.

APS for Indigent Senior Citizens.

NFSA 2013 made food a legal right.

Grain banks set up by NGOS (ADS).

Amul is a dairy cooperative.

94% ration shops in TN are co-ops.

Bengal Famine

Wheat Revolution Stamp

Antyodaya Anna Yojana

National Food Security Act