Ridding India of food security
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Green Revolution, Food Price Inflation
For Mains: Significance of the Green revolution, National Family Health Survey 2019-21
Highlights of the Article
State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
Food Security Act
Initiatives to Work on Food Security
Context:
Agricultural yield is lower in India than in East Asia, pointing to the potential for an increase. Attention is needed to extend irrigation to 100% of the net sown area, an end to restrictions on leasing of land, a quickening of agricultural research and the re-institution of extension
UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS
1.State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report
- The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) is a flagship report published jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides an annual update on global progress towards the targets of ending hunger (SDG Target 2.1) and all forms of malnutrition (SDG Target 2.2) and estimates on the number of people who are unable to afford a healthy diet
- The SOFI 2023 report, released in July 2023, found that the number of people facing hunger globally rose to 828 million in 2021, an increase of 150 million since 2019. This was driven by a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and climate change
- The report also found that the number of children under five years of age who are stunted (too short for their age) increased to 149.2 million in 2021, and the number of children who are wasted (too thin for their height) increased to 45.6 million. Overweight and obesity in children under five years of age also continued to rise, reaching 39.8 million
- The SOFI 2023 report highlighted the need to transform agrifood systems to make them more sustainable, inclusive and resilient. This includes investing in sustainable agriculture, improving access to nutritious food, and promoting healthy diets
2. Key Findings of SOFI
Here are some of the key findings of the SOFI 2023 report:
- The number of people facing hunger globally rose to 828 million in 2021, an increase of 150 million since 2019.
- The number of children under five years of age who are stunted (too short for their age) increased to 149.2 million in 2021, and the number of children who are wasted (too thin for their height) increased to 45.6 million.
- Overweight and obesity in children under five years of age also continued to rise, reaching 39.8 million.
- The cost of a healthy diet has increased in many countries, making it unaffordable for many people.
- Climate change is increasing the risk of food insecurity, as it is disrupting agricultural production and causing more extreme weather events.
- Conflict and insecurity are also major drivers of food insecurity, as they displace people and disrupt food production and distribution.
3.Significance of the Green Revolution in Food Security
The Green Revolution was a period of agricultural development that began in the mid-20th century. It involved the development and widespread adoption of new agricultural technologies, such as high-yielding varieties of crops, irrigation, and synthetic fertilizers. The Green Revolution had a significant impact on food security, helping to increase crop yields and reduce hunger and malnutrition in many parts of the world.
In India, the Green Revolution was particularly successful. It helped to increase wheat production by over 300% between 1965 and 1975, and rice production by over 100%. This helped to make India self-sufficient in food production and to reduce the number of people facing hunger.
The Green Revolution also had some negative impacts, such as the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, which can pollute the environment. However, overall, the Green Revolution was a major success in terms of food security. It helped to feed billions of people and to prevent widespread famine.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Green Revolution:
- Increased crop yields: The Green Revolution led to significant increases in crop yields, which helped to meet the growing demand for food.
- Reduced hunger and malnutrition: The Green Revolution helped to reduce hunger and malnutrition, especially in developing countries.
- Increased food security: The Green Revolution helped to make many countries self-sufficient in food production, reducing their reliance on imports.
- Improved rural incomes: The Green Revolution led to increased incomes for farmers, which helped to reduce poverty.
4. Initiatives to take on to tackle food security
Addressing food security is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, organizations, communities, and individuals. Here are some key initiatives and strategies that can be taken to tackle food security:
-
Promote Sustainable Agriculture:
- Invest in sustainable agricultural practices that focus on soil health, water conservation, and reduced pesticide use.
- Support smallholder farmers with training, resources, and access to sustainable farming techniques.
-
Improve Access to Resources:
- Ensure equitable access to land, water, and other essential resources for small-scale farmers, particularly women and marginalized groups.
- Facilitate access to credit and financial services for farmers to invest in their operations.
-
Enhance Crop Diversity:
- Encourage crop diversification to reduce dependence on a limited number of crops and increase resilience to pests and climate change.
- Promote traditional and indigenous crop varieties that are well-suited to local conditions.
-
Invest in Research and Technology:
- Fund agricultural research to develop drought-resistant and disease-resistant crop varieties.
- Promote the use of technology, such as precision agriculture and data-driven farming, to improve crop yields and resource efficiency.
-
Improve Infrastructure and Transport:
- Develop and maintain rural infrastructure, including roads and storage facilities, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for farmers.
-
Social Safety Nets:
- Implement social safety net programs that provide vulnerable populations with access to nutritious food, especially during times of crisis.
-
Support Women in Agriculture:
- Empower women in agriculture by ensuring their access to resources, education, and decision-making roles within farming communities.
-
Reduce Food Waste:
- Implement strategies to reduce food waste at all levels of the food supply chain, from production to consumption.
-
Promote Nutrition Education:
- Educate communities about the importance of balanced diets and good nutrition, especially for pregnant women and children.
-
Climate Resilience:
- Develop and implement climate-resilient farming practices to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture.
- Invest in climate-smart technologies and practices that adapt to changing weather patterns.
-
Collaboration and Partnerships:
- Foster collaboration among governments, NGOs, private sector entities, and international organizations to address food security comprehensively.
-
Emergency Response:
- Develop and maintain emergency response mechanisms for food aid and relief during natural disasters, conflicts, or other crises.
-
Policy and Governance:
- Create and enforce policies that prioritize food security, land rights, and sustainable agriculture.
- Address issues related to trade, subsidies, and market access that can impact food availability and affordability.
-
Education and Awareness:
- Raise awareness about food security issues and advocate for policies and actions to address them through public campaigns and education programs.
-
Local Food Systems:
- Strengthen local food systems and support local food producers to reduce dependence on imported food and enhance community resilience.
-
Research and Data Collection:
- Continuously gather data on food security indicators to monitor progress and identify areas that require attention.
5. Way forward
Tackling food security requires a long-term commitment and a holistic approach that takes into account not only food production but also issues related to poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and nutrition. Collaborative efforts at the local, national, and global levels are essential to making meaningful progress in ensuring that everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food
|
Practice Question
1.How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food asthe main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (2018)
2.Analyze the relationship between poverty and food security. How can poverty alleviation programs contribute to improving food security?
3."The Green Revolution, despite its successes in increasing food production, has raised significant environmental and social challenges." Discuss the environmental and social impacts of the Green Revolution in the context of food security
|
