Food security

Food security is a critical issue that encompasses the availability, access, utilization, and stability of food for a population. It is essential for ensuring that all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. Understanding food security is crucial for preparing for the UPSC examination. Below is a detailed explanation, including important data, statistics, and references from official documentation.

Key Dimensions of Food Security

1. Availability:
   • Refers to the physical presence of food in a region, determined by food production, stock levels, and net trade.
   • India ranks second in worldwide farm output. Major crops include rice, wheat, and pulses.
2. Access:
   • Economic and physical access to food. Economic access is influenced by purchasing power, income, and food prices.
   • The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population.
3. Utilization:
   • Proper biological use of food, requiring a diet with sufficient energy and nutrients, clean water, sanitation, and health care.
   • Malnutrition remains a significant challenge. According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023, India ranked 111th out of 125 countries. With a score of 28.7 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India has a level of hunger that is serious. India's neighboring countries have performed better in the index: Pakistan is ranked 102nd, Bangladesh 81st, Nepal 69th, and Sri Lanka 60th.
4. Stability:
   • Ensures that food availability, access, and utilization remain consistent over time. Factors such as climate change, economic instability, and political unrest can impact stability.

Current Scenario in India

• Food Security Programs:
  • Public Distribution System (PDS): Distributes subsidized food and non-food items to India's poor.
  • Midday Meal Scheme: Provides free lunches on working days for children in primary and upper primary classes in government, government-aided, local body, Education Guarantee Scheme, and alternative innovative education centers.
  • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Provides food, preschool education, and primary healthcare to children under 6 years of age and their mothers.

Challenges to Food Security

1. Climate Change:
   • Impacts agricultural productivity due to extreme weather events, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of droughts and floods.
2. Economic Factors:
   • Fluctuations in food prices and inflation can limit access to food for the economically vulnerable sections of society.
3. Infrastructure:
   • Inadequate storage facilities lead to significant post-harvest losses.
4. Policy Implementation:
   • Ensuring effective implementation of food security schemes and addressing leakages in the system.