NCERT-Book-for-Class-9-Economics-Chapter-4 (1)

Economics Overview

  • Food Security: Means availability, accessibility, and affordability of food to all people at all times.

    • Essential for living; more than just two meals.

    • Dimensions of Food Security:

      • (a) Availability: Food produced within the country, imports, and past stocks.

      • (b) Accessibility: Food must be within reach of individuals.

      • (c) Affordability: Individuals must have money to buy enough safe and nutritious food.

  • Food Security Standards: Ensured when:

    1. Enough food is available for all persons.

    2. All persons have the capacity to buy acceptable quality food.

    3. No barriers exist on access to food.

Vulnerability to Food Insecurity

  • Causes: The poor are more vulnerable during production or distribution problems.

  • Food insecurity can affect:

    • The poorest section generally suffering the most, but those above the poverty line can also be affected during disasters.

    • Events like earthquakes, floods, or crop failures increase food insecurity.

Impact of Calamities on Food Security

  • Natural calamities (e.g., drought):

    • Lead to decreased food production, creating shortages.

    • Result in rising prices, making it difficult for some to afford food, potentially leading to starvation or famine.

  • Famine: Defined as widespread deaths due to starvation.

Evolution of Food Security Concepts

  • UN Definition (1975): Adequate supply of food at all times.

  • Amartya Sen's Contribution: Introduced the concept of 'entitlements' for access to food.

  • 1995 World Food Summit Declaration: Defines food security as the physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active life.

    • Recognizes poverty eradication as essential for food access.

Food Security in India

  • Bengal Famine of 1943:

    • Considered one of the most devastating, killing thirty lakh people.

  • Current Vulnerabilities:

    • Famine-like conditions persist in parts of India (e.g., Kalahandi, Rajasthan).

    • Groups affected include landless individuals, traditional artisans, casual workers, and poorly paid urban laborers.

Case Studies

Ramu's Story

  • Works as a casual laborer in agriculture.

  • Unemployed for four months due to seasonality of agriculture.

  • Faces food insecurity during unemployment.

Ahmad's Story

  • A rickshaw puller in Bangalore with fluctuating daily earnings.

  • Uses a yellow card for PDS that gives access to subsidized essential goods.

Food Insecurity Demographics

  • Most Affected Groups:

    • Landless households, casual laborers, and specific lower castes.

  • Urban vs. Rural: Urban workers often employed in low-paying jobs are highly vulnerable.

Hunger Dimensions

  • Chronic Hunger: Consistently inadequate diets due to low income.

  • Seasonal Hunger: Related to agricultural cycles; prevalent among casual laborers in rural and urban sectors.

  • Reduction: Both types of hunger have declined over time in India.

Government Measures for Food Security

  • Post-Independence Strategies: Achieving self-sufficiency in foodgrains via the Green Revolution.

  • Buffer Stock Policy: Maintains foodgrains as a contingency against shortages.

  • Public Distribution System (PDS): Distributes food through ration shops to low-income families.

    • Ration cards categorized into three types: Antyodaya, BPL, APL.

  • National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013: Ensures subsidized food for eligible households.

Challenges of PDS

  • Issues include overflowing granaries, corruption, quality control, and limited access for the non-poor.

  • The system has been criticized for inefficiencies despite its importance in combating hunger.

Role of Cooperatives

  • Cooperatives significantly contribute to food security by selling low-priced goods, especially in southern and western India.

  • Examples: Mother Dairy in Delhi and Amul's dairy products supply.

  • Grain Banks Initiative: Support by NGOs helps local communities access food security resources.

Conclusion

  • Food Security Essentials: All citizens need nutritious food; critical for survival.

  • Government, cooperatives, and NGOs play vital roles in ensuring food security.

References

  • Dev et al., 2003. "Towards a Food Secure India"

  • Sagar, 2004. "Food Security in India"

  • Saxena, 2004. "Synergising Government Efforts for Food Security"

  • Sen, 1983. "Poverty and Famines"

  • FAO 1996. World Food Summit 1995