Food Security in India

4.6 Food Security in India

Description

Quick Overview

The section discusses the evolution of food security in India since the Green Revolution, highlighting government initiatives to ensure food availability.

Standard

Since the early 1970s, India has achieved self-sufficiency in food grains, avoiding famine even during bad weather, thanks to the Green Revolution and a robust food security system involving buffer stocks and public distribution.

Detailed

Food Security in India

Food security has become a key concern in India since the advent of the Green Revolution in the early 1970s. This revolution allowed India to become self-sufficient in food grains, which has drastically reduced the risk of famine, even during adverse weather conditions. The country has increased its food grain production significantly over the last three decades, ensuring a stable food supply across regions.

The government's food security system consists of two main components: buffer stock and public distribution system. The buffer stock serves as a safety net that stores surplus food grains, while the public distribution system ensures equitable distribution to the citizens, particularly the underprivileged.

Moreover, a detailed analysis of food grain production in India from the past years reinforces the country's ongoing efforts in maintaining food security, as evidenced by statistical graphs showing yearly production trends.

Key Concepts

  • Food Security: The guarantee that all individuals have access to sufficient food.

  • Green Revolution: Agricultural advancement in India leading to self-sufficiency in food grains.

  • Buffer Stock: Emergency reserves of food grains maintained by the government.

  • Public Distribution System: A system ensuring food access to economically weaker sections.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In times of need, food we’ll stock, during bad weather, around the clock.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once in a village, the farmers faced a drought but thanks to the buffer stock of grains, no family went hungry. The PDS helped provide affordable food. This story tells us of preparation and sharing.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember the components of food security, think 'BEE-P' (Buffer stock, Everyone gets food, Emergency measures, Public Distribution).

🎯 Super Acronyms

PDS - Public Distribution System ensures food for the Poor.

Examples

  • The government maintains a buffer stock of rice and wheat to ensure availability during droughts.

  • Public Distribution System allows families to buy food grains at subsidized rates in states like Tamil Nadu.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Green Revolution

    Definition:

    A period of agricultural transformation in the 1970s in India that increased food grain production significantly through the use of high-yield variety seeds and modern farming techniques.

  • Term: Buffer Stock

    Definition:

    A reserve of food grains maintained by the government to ensure supply during shortages.

  • Term: Public Distribution System

    Definition:

    A government system for distributing food grains to the underprivileged populations at low prices.

  • Term: Food Security

    Definition:

    The state where all people have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.