NCERT-Book-for-Class-9-Economics-Chapter-4
Page 1: Introduction to Food Security
Definition of Food Security
Food Security: The availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for all people at all times.
Vulnerable Groups: Poor households face more significant risks of food insecurity during production or distribution disruptions.
Key Aspects:
Availability: Food production, imports, and stored stocks.
Accessibility: Food must be reachable by everyone.
Affordability: Individuals need sufficient income to purchase safe and nutritious food.
Conditions for Food Security:
Sufficient food availability.
Capacity to buy quality food.
Unhindered access to food.
Importance of Food Security
Risk Groups: The poorest sections of society face constant food insecurity, while others may also be affected during national disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods).
Impact of Calamities on Food Security
Natural calamities reduce food grain production, causing shortages and price increases that can lead to starvation or famine.
Famine: Characterized by widespread deaths due to starvation.
Historical Context
In the 1970s, food security was defined as the availability of food at all times (based on UN 1975).
Amartya Sen's Contribution: Stressed access through entitlements, shifting the focus toward social provisions.
FAO's Declaration (1996): A comprehensive definition of food security at all societal levels, linking it to poverty eradication.
Page 2: The Bengal Famine of 1943
Historical Example
Significance of the Bengal famine as a case study of food insecurity.
The effects of famine on specific groups, particularly agricultural laborers and other impoverished categories.
Production Data (Table 4.1): Highlighting food production trends leading up to the Bengal famine.
Impact: The famine led to the deaths of millions in Bengal (30 lakh people).
Discussion Elements
Analysis of reasons behind the famine, including production statistics.
Page 3: Current Food Insecurity in India
Ongoing Issues
Persistent regions of food insecurity in India (e.g., Kalahandi, Kashipur).
Affected demographics: Landless workers, casual laborers, and those in poorly paid jobs.
Personal Accounts
Story of Ramu: A laborer's struggles with food insecurity during unemployment periods—a reflection of seasonal economic activities.
Page 4: Personal Accounts and Insights
Case Study of Ahmad
Analysis of Ahmad's life as a rickshaw puller and the impact of fluctuating income on food security.
Importance of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in providing access to low-cost essential goods despite irregular income.
Societal Considerations
Influences of caste and employment type on food insecurity.
Vulnerability of women and children, especially during malnutrition crises.
Page 5: The Nature of Hunger
Types of Hunger
Chronic Hunger: Often results from low income and inadequate access to food.
Seasonal Hunger: Linked to agricultural cycles and casual labor dependency.
Government Response
Overview of India's initiatives towards food self-sufficiency post-Independence, including the Green Revolution and subsequent food policies.
Page 6: Government Initiatives
Food Security Strategies
Introduction of buffer stocks and PDS to stabilize food availability and pricing.
Purpose of Government Buffer Stock
Exists to ensure food security during shortages and provide food at lower costs.
Page 7: Public Distribution System (PDS)
Composition and Functioning
How the PDS operates through ration shops across urban and rural India.
Introduction of the rationing system in response to historical famines.
Types of Ration Cards
Differentiation between various ration cards based on income and poverty levels.
Page 8: National Food Security Act (2013)
Key Features
Affords food and nutritional security to a large proportion of the population at subsidized prices.
Evolution of PDS
Changes in the PDS over time and its significance in providing food security.
Page 9: Strengths and Challenges of PDS
Critiques
Issues of hunger persisting despite abundant food stocks.
Anecdotal evidence of corruption and inefficiencies in PDS operations (e.g., food quality issues, shop irregularities).
The Role of Cooperatives
Cooperatives play a significant role in food security, providing goods at controlled prices (examples include Amul and Mother Dairy).
Page 10: Analysis of Consumption Trends
Per Capita Consumption
Trends in food consumption over the years in urban vs. rural settings and the challenges faced.
Page 11: Conclusion and Further Discussion
Summary of Key Points
Food security remains a comprehensive challenge involving numerous sectors and demographics in India.
The interconnectedness of cooperative efforts, government programs, and societal structures plays a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity.
Page 12: References
Detailed references for further reading on food security policies and historical studies.