India's Growing Food Insecurity
A Concern Close to Home
By Sanchi Yadav
In a country as diverse and populous as India, the issue of food security is of paramount importance. Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food is a fundamental right that directly impacts the well-being and nutritional health of millions. In recent years, rising food prices have put this right under threat, making it increasingly difficult for a significant portion of the population to afford a healthy diet. This blog is to analyze the critical problem of food price inflation in India and the need for a second agricultural revolution to ensure access to nutritious food for all.
Let’s Understand Food Security
Food security, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), encompasses three key dimensions: availability, accessibility, and affordability of food. To achieve food security, a country must ensure that adequate food is available for all, that people have the means to purchase quality food, and there are no barriers preventing access to food.
But The Harsh Reality Is:
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals a staggering statistic: in 2021, 74% of the Indian population could not afford a healthy diet. Given India's vast population, this equates to roughly one billion people lacking the financial means to access nutritious food.
Rising Food Prices
There is compelling evidence to support the FAO's findings. In Mumbai, the cost of preparing a typical meal at home has increased by 65% from 2018 to 2023. Meanwhile, the average wages of manual workers have grown by only 38%, and salaried workers saw a 28% increase in their wages during the same period. This disparity highlights how the rising cost of food is outpacing income growth, effectively reducing the purchasing power of the population.
The Prevalence of Anaemia
The National Family Health Survey conducted from 2019 to 2021 indicates a rise in the prevalence of anemia, primarily due to nutrient deficiency. Over 50% of adult women in India were estimated to be anemic, a clear sign that many are not receiving the necessary nutrients in their diets.
Ineffective Macroeconomic Policies:
The problem is with the effectiveness of macroeconomic policies, particularly the Reserve Bank of India's approach to controlling inflation through measures like "inflation targeting." Such policies are ineffective in addressing food inflation, which is primarily driven by supply-side factors. The solution lies in supply-side interventions, such as increasing agricultural yields, to stabilize food prices and make them more affordable.
The Historical Significance of the Green Revolution
India has a remarkable history of the Green Revolution in the 1960s. Faced with food shortages due to droughts, the government implemented a supply-side strategy that included high-yielding seeds, affordable credit, and guaranteed prices for farmers. This strategy transformed India from a food-dependent nation to a self-sufficient one.
Today, India needs a second agricultural revolution to address current challenges in the agriculture sector. The primary goal should be to lower the cost of producing food, unlike the first Green Revolution, which focused mainly on achieving self-sufficiency. Reducing production costs is vital to combat rising food prices.
Key Areas for Improvement
Several key areas need attention to revitalize India's agriculture sector:
Expanding Public Expenditure on Irrigation: Despite increased public expenditure on irrigation, there hasn't been a corresponding increase in the irrigated area. Efficient resource utilization and proper allocation of funds are critical.
Importance of Land Leasing: Allowing farmers to lease land can facilitate larger and more productive agricultural operations.
Revitalizing Research Institutes: Public agricultural research institutes need to be more proactive in developing and disseminating innovative agricultural practices.
Reviving Extension Services: Agricultural extension services should be brought back to their former prominence to educate farmers about best practices.
The Role of States
Individual states play a crucial role in implementing these initiatives. A collaborative approach between the central government and state governments is essential, working together in the spirit of cooperative federalism.
A Non-Ideological Approach
There's a need for a non-ideological approach, both at the central and state levels, when addressing agricultural challenges. The focus should be on improving food security, reducing poverty, and ensuring sustainability.
Conclusion
Food security is not just an economic policy challenge but a matter of human rights and public health. India's second agricultural revolution holds the promise of making nutritious food more accessible and affordable for all. It's time to address the critical issue of food-price inflation and work towards a future where every Indian has the means to access a healthy diet.
Sanchi Yadav is currently a student of the GCPP (Advanced Public Policy) Programme.