Hindu Editorial Analysis : 12-September-2023
India has been experiencing remarkable economic growth, but it has also been grappling with escalating food-price inflation. This issue gained momentum in 2019 and has persisted in subsequent years. In July of this year, annual inflation surged to over 11%, the highest in a decade. This essay explores the state of food security and nutrition in India, delving into its implications and potential solutions.
State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) assesses global food security and nutrition, highlighting the percentage of people in various countries who cannot afford a nutritious diet. In 2021, India faced a staggering statistic: an estimated 74% of its population couldn’t afford a healthy diet. To put this in perspective, this equates to approximately one billion Indians.
Finding is Plausible
A recent study revealed some disconcerting facts. While the cost of preparing a thaali at home increased by 65%, the average wage of a manual worker rose by only 38%, and a salaried worker’s income increased by 28%. This stark contrast suggests a substantial decline in purchasing power, likely impacting food consumption. Moreover, the prevalence of anemia, often linked to nutrient deficiencies, has risen, especially among adult women. These findings support the FAO’s claim that over half of India’s population cannot afford a nutritious diet.
Challenges in Controlling Food Inflation
Traditional macroeconomic policies have been ineffective in curbing food inflation. The Reserve Bank of India has struggled to meet its inflation targets, particularly due to rising food prices stemming from the supply side. Central banks have limitations in addressing this issue effectively and within a reasonable timeframe.
The Significance of the Green Revolution
India’s history offers valuable insights. The Green Revolution of the 1960s was a pivotal moment. Faced with dire food shortages following consecutive droughts, the government initiated a supply-side response. This included providing farmers with high-yielding seeds, affordable credit, and guaranteed prices through procurement. The result was astounding—India achieved self-sufficiency in food production, reducing its dependence on imports.
Learning from Past Mistakes
While the Green Revolution was a monumental success, it was not without flaws. Overuse of chemical fertilizers, reliance on procurement prices over productivity, and a focus on cereals rather than protein-rich pulses were among the errors made. It is crucial to rectify these mistakes while focusing on reducing the cost of food production.
Initiatives to Address Food Security
- Efficient Use of Irrigation Funds: Increased public spending on irrigation should translate into a rise in irrigated areas. Investigating the reasons behind the lack of expansion is essential.
- Land Consolidation and Leasing: Fragmentation of small land holdings diminishes the potential for productivity-enhancing investments. Leasing arrangements can be a solution to this problem.
- Reviving Agricultural Research Institutes: Public agricultural research institutions, once instrumental in the Green Revolution’s success, should be revitalized to promote innovation and sustainability in farming practices.
- Reviving Agricultural Extension Services: The revival of agricultural extension services, which were once pivotal in disseminating best practices, is imperative.
- Protein Production: A comprehensive plan to increase protein production should be implemented, addressing India’s significant protein deficiency.
The Role of States
In all these initiatives, the role of Indian states is crucial. Collaborative efforts between the central government and states are vital to address the complex challenges of food security and nutrition in India. It is imperative that we prioritize this issue, as ensuring access to a nutritious diet is the most pressing economic policy task of our time. Traditional macroeconomic approaches have proven insufficient, making it necessary to intervene on the supply side, just as we did during the Green Revolution. By learning from past successes and correcting past mistakes, India can achieve food security and nutritional well-being for its vast population.
Why In News
India’s remarkable economic growth has positioned it as one of the world’s fastest-growing large economies; however, this prosperity comes with the challenge of surging food-price inflation. Since its sharp escalation in 2019, the cost of essential food items has consistently surged, reaching an alarming annual inflation rate of over 11% in July this year, marking the highest level in a decade. This pressing issue demands urgent attention to ensure sustainable economic development and food security for the nation.
MCQs about India’s Food Price Inflation and Ensuring Nutritional Security
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What major policy intervention in India’s history is highlighted as a successful response to food shortages and self-sufficiency in food production?
A. The Agricultural Land Consolidation Act
B. The Green Revolution of the 1960s
C. The Food Price Stabilization Initiative
D. The National Nutrition Enhancement Program
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What is one of the identified mistakes made during the Green Revolution?
A. Overreliance on organic farming methods
B. Insufficient government investment in agriculture
C. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers
D. Lack of incentives for farmers
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Which critical aspect of addressing food security in India requires the involvement of both the central government and Indian states?
A. Reducing inflation through monetary policy
B. Enhancing agricultural research and innovation
C. Promoting consumer awareness about nutrition
D. Increasing foreign food imports
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