Detailed Summary
Food security is a critical aspect of socio-economic stability, defined by three main dimensions: availability of food, accessibility, and affordability. Availability refers to the production, imports, and stored reserves of food within a country. Accessibility ensures that all individuals are capable of obtaining food, while affordability guarantees that they have enough financial resources to purchase safe and nutritious food for their dietary needs.
The poorest segments of society are more vulnerable to food insecurity. Natural disasters such as droughts and floods can drastically reduce food production, leading to shortages and increased prices, which further restrict access to food for certain population groups, causing starvation and even famine.
Historically, the Bengal Famine of 1943 illustrates the devastating consequences of food insecurity, forcing the understanding of food security to evolve. Enhanced definitions, like those from the World Food Summit and the contributions of economists like Amartya Sen, have highlighted the necessity of access and individual entitlements to secure food, indicating that poverty eradication is essential to improving food security.
Significant challenges remain, particularly in regions most afflicted by poverty and natural disasters, underlining the ongoing need for comprehensive food security programs, such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), to protect vulnerable populations and ensure adequate food supplies even during unforeseen calamities.