From Hunger To Hope: Navigating India’s Food Security Challenge

Prarabdh Tiwari & Kritika Verma, Christ University, Delhi NCR

ABSTRACT

Food security is a critical issue for any nation, and India, as a developing country with a large population, faces significant challenges in ensuring food security for all its citizens. Despite being the world's largest producers of food grains, India has a long history of food insecurity, with millions of people living below the poverty line and struggling to access nutritious food. This research paper aims to explore the issue of food security in India, examining the current state of affairs and identifying potential solutions to address this problem.

The research paper begins by defining food security and outlining the key challenges that India faces in ensuring food security for its citizens. These challenges include a lack of infrastructure, low agricultural productivity, limited access to markets, and high levels of poverty and inequality. The paper then examines the role of the government in addressing these challenges, focusing on policies such as the National Food Security Act, which aims to provide subsidized food grains to the poor. The paper also analyses the food distribution system in India, highlighting the various stakeholders involved and the challenges they face. This includes issues such as leakage and diversion of food grains, corruption, and inadequate storage facilities The paper then considers potential solutions to improve food security in India. This includes enhancing agricultural productivity through investments in research and development, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and improving access to credit for farmers. The paper also highlights the importance of improving food distribution networks, such as building more storage facilities, strengthening transportation infrastructure, and leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain. Finally, the paper examines the role of targeted social welfare schemes such as the Integrated Child Development Services and the Midday Meal Scheme in improving the nutritional status of vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

Keywords: Government Schemes, Food Security, Food Insecurity, Human Health.