Food security ensures a sustainable supply of the minimum nutritious food required for a dignified life. The concept encompasses four dimensions: Availability, Accessibility, Utilization, and Stability of food. This study investigates the changes in the availability of various food items in India before and during the liberalization era. The focus is on the growth of land under food grain production. The analysis spans from 1961 to 2010, examining the development of per capita consumption expenditure and the nature of changes in per capita calorie intake during different phases of liberalization.
The study also delves into food utilization, which is closely linked to the health and hygiene of the population. It assesses the rate of change in health status, specifically access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities in Indian households. A Log-lin model is employed to estimate the change rate in selected food security aspects. Key variables’ sub-period annual compound growth rates are computed using a kinked exponential growth model.
The systematic analysis, relying on secondary data sources, indicates a reduction in the growth of selected food products during the strong liberalization era. Additionally, the growth rate of crop area for cereal production shows a negative trend. Despite a significant increase in per capita consumption expenditure, there is a decrease in per capita calorie intake. Notably, the ability to utilize food has grown commendably during solid globalization. The study concludes by proposing policy recommendations for a stable long-term food security system.
Addressing food security has emerged as a significant challenge in India, with noteworthy statistics highlighting the extent of the issue:
- According to UN-India, approximately 195 million individuals in India are underweight, constituting a quarter of the global hunger burden.
- Around 43% of children in India face chronic undernourishment, emphasizing the severity of malnutrition among the youth.
- According to the Tendulkar methodology, the percentage of people below the poverty line in India decreased to about 22% in 2011-12.
- In the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) assessment of 113 countries in 2018, India ranked 76th, taking into account affordability, availability, quality, and safety.
- In the 2020 GFSI rankings, India improved to 71st among 113 countries, reflecting ongoing efforts but still indicating areas for enhancement.
- The Global Hunger Index, 2018, ranked India 103rd out of 119 qualifying countries, signifying challenges in addressing hunger-related issues.
- According to the Global Hunger Index, 2020, India’s rank improved to 94th out of 107 countries. However, it remains behind countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates in ‘The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2018’ report indicate that approximately 14.8% of India’s population is undernourished.
- The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2020’ report reveals a decline in the prevalence of undernourishment in India’s total population from 21.7% in 2004-06 to 14% in 2017-19, suggesting positive strides in combating hunger and malnutrition.
Essentials of Food Security: Ensuring Access, Availability, and Utilization
Food security is achieved when every individual consistently has the physical and economic means to obtain an adequate supply of safe and nutritious food that aligns with their dietary requirements and preferences, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) identifies three essential and interconnected components of food security:
Availability of Food:
In simpler terms, this aspect emphasizes the consistent presence and accessibility of an ample quantity of food within a given region or community.
It signifies that there should be a continuous and reliable supply of food items, addressing the essential requirement for sustenance.
Access to Food:
This component underscores the ability of individuals to obtain the food that is available in their surroundings.
It extends beyond the mere presence of food, emphasizing the economic and physical access people have to acquire the necessary nourishment.
Utilization of Food:
This dimension focuses on the effective utilization and absorption of food by individuals.
It emphasizes the importance of having access to food and ensuring that the nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body, contributing to overall health and well-being.
“India’s Right to Food: The National Food Security Act, 2013
Enacted by the Parliament of India in 2013, the National Food Security Act, commonly referred to as the Right to Food Act, is a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at guaranteeing the right to food for every citizen of the country. This legislation passed in Lok Sabha on August 26, 2013, and subsequently approved in Rajya Sabha on September 02, 2013, is designed to provide subsidized food grains to around two-thirds of India’s vast population, approximately 1.33 billion. At its core, implementing the National Food Security Act relies on a foundation of food subsidies, ensuring the accessibility of essential sustenance to a significant portion of the Indian populace.”
Food Security Initiatives in India: Key Programs and Implementation
A substantial portion of the government’s expenditure on food security is directed toward implementing food subsidies through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), a critical component of the Public Distribution System. The significant instruments employed in the food management system and food price policy to ensure food security in India include:
- Procurement at Minimum Support Prices (MSP):
This involves acquiring food grains at government-specified minimum prices, supporting farmers and contributing to food security.
- Maintenance of Buffer Stocks:
The creation and maintenance of buffer stocks serve as a strategic reserve of essential food commodities, safeguarding against supply disruptions and price fluctuations.
- Public Distribution System (PDS):
The TPDS, under the Public Distribution System, plays a crucial role in distributing subsidized food grains, ensuring affordability and shielding beneficiaries from the impact of inflation and market volatility.
Food Subsidy Implementation:
The distribution of subsidized food grains via the TPDS assures beneficiaries of food security. This mechanism protects individuals from the uncertainties of price fluctuations caused by inflation. Despite the increased spending on food subsidies over the years, there has been a noteworthy reduction in the percentage of people below the poverty line.
Ministry Responsible:
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution serves as the nodal ministry overseeing the implementation of food subsidies. The church comprises two departments:
- Department of Food and Public Distribution
- Department of Consumer Affairs
A significant 98% of the ministry’s budget is allocated to the Department of Food and Public Distribution, highlighting its central role in effectively executing food security initiatives.”
