- Addressing the Dietary Requirements of the Populace:A large portion of the India’s population is malnourished or undernourished, which has an impact on theirdevelopment both physically and mentally.
In India, the incidence of undernutrition is 16.3% Additionally, 33.4% of Indian children are underweight, 33.9% are stunted, and 3.8% are obese.
- Fostering Economic Expansion:India’s economy depends heavily on the agricultural sector, which is a key industry. The government may support farmers and boost their revenue by ensuring food security, which can contribute to economic growth.
The backbone of India’s economy is agriculture, with over 70% of the people working in associated industries.
- Reducing Poverty: Food security can play a vital role in reducing poverty levels. By providing access to affordable and nutritious food, people can better manage their expenses, reduce their healthcare costs, and improve their overall quality of life.
India still has more than 230 million people who are poor.
- Ensuring National Security: Food security is also essentialfor India’s national security. A stable food supply can prevent social unrest and political instability, which can threaten national security.
- Combating Climate Change: Climate change poses a significant threat to India’s food security. By adopting sustainable farming practices and investing in climate-resilient crops, India can better adapt to the changing climate and ensure food security for its population.
ISSUES PERTAINING TO FOOD SECURITY IN INDIA
- Insufficient Infrastructure:Farmers struggle to get their goods to markets and adequately store them because of inadequate infrastructure. As a result, there is significant wastage and farmers make less money.
- Subpar Farming Practices:Crop yields have declined as a result of subpar agricultural practises such as over-cultivation, excessive pesticide use, and inappropriate irrigation methods.
- Severe Weather Conditions:Climate change-related extreme weather has also led to crop failures and food shortages. The frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and floods are increasing, which has an impact on food production and drives up food costs.
- Inefficient Supply Chain Networks: Inefficient supply chain networks, including inadequate transportation, storage, and distribution facilities, also contribute to food insecurity in India. This leads to higher prices for consumers and lower profits for farmers.
- Fragmented Landholdings: Fragmented landholdings, where farmers own small and scattered plots of land, make it difficult to adopt modern farming practices and technologies. This, in turn, affects food production and availability.
