Food Access to All

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• The World Food Day 2024 (October 16) theme is ‘Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,’ highlighting the need for equitable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all.

About

• Food security is vital for individual well-being and social stability.
• The FAO’s 2024 report estimates that 733 million people face hunger, highlighting the urgency of addressing food insecurity.

India’s Journey Towards Food Security

• Transformation from Food-Deficient to Food-Surplus Nation: Over the past 60 years, India has shifted from being food-deficient to a food-surplus country.
  • The Green Revolution was pivotal in boosting agricultural productivity.
• Supportive Policies: Effective policies and advancements by institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) played a crucial role. Enhanced supply chains have helped in ensuring better food availability.
• Diversification of Agrifood Systems: Initiatives like the White Revolution (dairy) and Blue Transformation (fisheries) have diversified India’s agrifood system.
• Focus on Addressing Inequalities: India is focusing on reducing inequalities in food access and improving nutrition as part of its ongoing efforts in food security.

Challenges to Achieve Food Security 

• Small and Marginal Farmers: With over 82% of India’s 93 million agrarian households being small and marginal farmers, landholdings are less than two hectares.
  • These fragmented landholdings limit productivity, market access, and the adoption of modern techniques.
• Natural Resource Degradation: Unsustainable practices, such as overusing groundwater and chemical fertilizers, are degrading natural resources, threatening the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
• Market Access: Many smallholder farmers lack adequate infrastructure and supply chain access, limiting their ability to reach markets and fetch better prices for their produce.
• Water Scarcity: Agriculture in India is highly dependent on monsoon rains, which makes it vulnerable to droughts and inconsistent rainfall. 
• Outdated Farming Practices: Despite advancements in agricultural technology, many Indian farmers still rely on traditional methods which hinder their  productivity improvements.
• Climate Change: The increasing impact of climate change, with erratic weather patterns and extreme events, continues to pose risks to agricultural production and food security.

Government Steps Taken to Achieve Food Security in India

• National Food Security Act (2013): Guarantees subsidized food grains to a significant portion of the population, ensuring basic food security.
• Fortified Rice Distribution (2024-2028): Aims to tackle malnutrition by distributing fortified rice to millions, improving dietary nutrition.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on improving irrigation coverage and ensuring efficient water use in agriculture.
• e-NAM (National Agriculture Market): An initiative to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities, enabling farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers across the country.

Way Ahead

• Ensuring equitable food access requires strengthening both agricultural and non-agricultural livelihoods. 
• While continuing to support rural farmers, it is crucial to address the growing urban food insecurity. A holistic approach to agrifood systems must incorporate sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusivity.

Source: TH