Bihar : Food Security
Food security can be described as a phenomenon relating to individuals and can be defined by nutritional status of the individual household member that is the ultimate focus, and the risk of that adequate status not being achieved or becoming undermined.
Food Security can defined as
Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Household food security is the application of this concept to the family level, with individuals within households as the focus of concern.
Food insecurity exists when people do not have adequate physical, social or economic access to food as defined above.
Food security includes at a minimum:
- the ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food and
- an assured ability to acquire acceptable food in socially acceptable ways.
Food security is not guaranteed merely by adequate food grain production or even by food availability. It is more fundamentally linked to effective access to food, both physically and economically. Broadly speaking, livelihood security and livelihood access are important determinants of food access. According to observation made by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and World Food Progamme 2001, “If people have access to livelihood, they would in general have access to food and Nutrition.
Food Security atlas on Bihar
Food security Atlas was prepared to look in to the matter of food insecurity in the country. The IHD and the UNWFP have collaborated to produce Rural Food Security Atlases on eight Indian states so far. The report, prepared by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) in Conjunction with the United Nation’s World Food Programme (UNWFP), provides a comprehensive food security information system for the state while pin-pointing the most vulnerable districts that are in dire need of targeted intervention.
They have prepared Atlas on Bihar and results show that the north eastern Bihar lacks food security. As many as 12 districts in North-Eastern Bihar have been identified as major “hotspots” in food security in the state, according to the Food Security Atlas on Rural Bihar.
The atlas indicates the unevenness of food security spread across Bihar, with 13 districts which include Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Banka, Lakhisarai and Darbhanga ranked as “severely insecure” while Kishanganj and Jamui are ranked as “extremely insecure” on a food availability scale of 0-1.
Twelve of these districts have been grouped as Special Category Districts (SCD), requiring immediate government intervention.
According to the study, Bihar’s poor female Literacy rate – which stands at a low 33.64% (as against the All-India level of 54.2%) – was the most significant factor in aggravating Food Insecurity and Child Mortality in the rural regions. It showed the districts that were in dire need of urgent intervention.
Food insecurity along with inaccessible primary Health centers (PHCs) care and Safe drinking water augur the situation. However, these two variables also bear quite a strong correlation with the food security index as well and the problem is very gruesome. According to the report, the state fared poorly in terms of critical health Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE with the ratio of number of doctors per lakh Population standing at a mere 32.7 as against an All-India figure of 60.
According to the report, the Percentage of BPL households covered by the Public Distribution System in Bihar is less than one-third of the all-India level.
Suggestions given by the report
It also provides various solutions to overcome the problems of food insecurity and others.The atlas makes three specific suggestions to overcome the problems ailing the functioning of the state’s PDS which include increasing the number of State Food Corporation godowns and increasing awareness among the public about the new “food coupon system.” There is also the problem of deserving people not figuring in the BPL list at all. For them, it will be of no account whether a system of cash transfers or a PDS is in place.
National Food Security Act , 2013 (NFSA)
Government has passed the National Food Security Act, 2013 with the objective to provide for food and nutritional security in human by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity. The Act provides for coverage of up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized food grains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), thus covering about two-thirds of the population. The eligible persons will be entitled to receive 5 Kgs of food grains per person per month at subsidized prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse grains. The existing Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, which constitute the poorest of the poor, will continue to receive 35 Kgs of food grains per household per month.
The Act also has a special focus on the nutritional support to Women and children. Besides meal to pregnant women and lactating mothers during pregnancy and six months after the child birth, such women will also be entitled to receive maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000.
Children up to 14 years of age will be entitled to nutritious meals as per the prescribed nutritional standards.
In case of non-supply of entitled food grains or meals, the beneficiaries will receive food security allowance.
The Act also has provisions for setting up of grievance redressal mechanism at the District and State levels. Separate provisions have also been made in the Act for ensuring Transparency and Accountability.
Status of Food Security Act in the State
Food Security Act in the state covers 84% (6.90 crore) of the rural below POVERTY line (BPL) people and 74% (70 lakh) of the urban BPL population. In an important development, it is estimated that 40 lakh BPL families, which were left out in a survey that determines eligibility for Food Security Scheme, will be entitled to subsidized food grains.
Biggest beneficiary
Bihar has been the biggest beneficiary of the act. As it will cover huge population of the state. There will be around 25 lakh households which fall under the Antyodaya scheme and will continue to get 35 kgs of food grain per month at the rate of Rs. 2 and Rs. 3 per kg for wheat and rice respectively.
Grievance
According to the act , there should be a proper grievance redressal mechanism. A grievance redressal system has been set up at the district and State level, according to which complaints regarding non-availability of food grain should reach the district official within 30 days and should be resolved in 15 days. There is also a toll free number for a citizen grievance cell.
Door delivery
To improve the public distribution system, the State Government has invested Rs. 388 crore to implement a door-step-delivery process, under which the stock of grain will reach PDS shops. Vehicles transporting the grain from the godowns to PDS dealers will be monitored using the Global Positioning System and SMSs.
Ensure Transparency
A web portal of Bihar state food corporation was also launched to ensure transparency through GPS tracking and monitoring of vehicles carrying food grains from godowns to PDS dealers. It would also help update stock position and lifting, besides providing a variety of other related information.
The Food Security Act which is termed as a ‘game changer’ by the UPA-II Government, the State Governments need to draw their own parameters to identify the beneficiaries. The Act, which made food a legal right, got Presidential assent in September 2013, and gave one year to the States for its implementation.
Biggest challenge of the country is to feed over 1.25 billion people. Despite economic Growth and self-sufficiency in food grains production, high levels of poverty, food insecurity and Malnutrition persist in India . The National Food Security Act (NFSA) passed in 2013 is a milestone in the history of India’s fight against hunger and malnutrition, as it claims to feed more than 800 million Indians with highly subsidized food grains. There is economy wide impact of NFSA on the Indian economy. It estimates the labor requirement, GDP growth, and indirect impact on the other sector of the economy.
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Bihar is a state in eastern India with a population of over 100 million people. It is one of the poorest states in India, with a per capita income of just $600 per year. Poverty and hunger are widespread in Bihar, and many people do not have access to adequate food.
agriculture is the main source of livelihood for most people in Bihar. The state is home to a number of important crops, including rice, wheat, maize, and pulses. However, agricultural productivity in Bihar is low, and many farmers struggle to make a living.
The government of Bihar has implemented a number of programs to address the problem of food insecurity. The public distribution system (PDS) provides subsidized food grains to poor families. School feeding programs provide free meals to students in government schools. And social safety nets, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural EMPLOYMENT Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), provide cash transfers and employment opportunities to the poor.
Despite these efforts, food insecurity remains a major problem in Bihar. The state has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in India. Undernutrition is a major cause of child mortality and morbidity. It also impairs cognitive development and productivity.
Women play a key role in agriculture and food production in Bihar. However, they often face discrimination and lack access to Resources, such as land, credit, and Education. This limits their ability to improve their livelihoods and the food security of their families.
There are a number of things that can be done to improve food security in Bihar. These include:
- Increasing agricultural productivity: This can be done by improving Irrigation, providing farmers with access to high-quality seeds and Fertilizers, and investing in research and development.
- Expanding the public distribution system: The PDS should be expanded to reach more poor families. The government should also provide more nutritious food items through the PDS.
- Strengthening school feeding programs: School feeding programs should be expanded to reach more students. The government should also provide more nutritious food items through school feeding programs.
- Investing in social safety nets: The government should invest in social safety nets, such as MGNREGA, to provide cash transfers and employment opportunities to the poor.
- Empowering women: The government should empower women by providing them with access to land, credit, education, and other resources. This will help them to improve their livelihoods and the food security of their families.
By taking these steps, the government of Bihar can help to improve food security and reduce hunger in the state.
In addition to the above, the following are some other initiatives that can be taken to improve food security in Bihar:
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to improve crop yields and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers. This can lead to a more secure food supply and a healthier Environment.
- Investing in research and development: Research and development is essential for developing new technologies and practices that can improve food security. The government should invest in research and development to find new ways to increase crop yields, reduce food waste, and improve the nutritional value of food.
- Raising awareness about food security: Raising awareness about food security is important for mobilizing public support for policies and programs that can address the problem. The government should launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of food security and the steps that can be taken to improve it.
By taking these steps, the government of Bihar can help to improve food security and reduce hunger in the state.
What is food security?
Food security is a state in which all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
What are the causes of food insecurity?
There are many factors that can contribute to food insecurity, including poverty, Unemployment, low wages, lack of access to affordable healthy food, and natural disasters.
What are the effects of food insecurity?
Food insecurity can have a number of negative effects on individuals and families, including poor health, malnutrition, stunted growth, and impaired cognitive development. It can also lead to social isolation, depression, and anxiety.
What are the solutions to food insecurity?
There are a number of things that can be done to address food insecurity, including increasing access to affordable healthy food, providing job training and employment opportunities, and expanding social safety net programs.
What is the role of the government in addressing food insecurity?
The government plays a number of roles in addressing food insecurity, including providing food assistance programs, regulating the food Industry, and promoting healthy eating habits.
What is the role of the private sector in addressing food insecurity?
The private sector also plays a number of roles in addressing food insecurity, including providing food assistance, developing innovative solutions to food insecurity, and advocating for policies that support food security.
What is the role of individuals in addressing food insecurity?
Individuals can play a number of roles in addressing food insecurity, including donating to food banks, volunteering at food pantries, and advocating for policies that support food security.
What are the latest trends in food security?
The latest trends in food security include the increasing prevalence of obesity and diet-related diseases, the growing number of people living in poverty, and the changing Climate.
What are the future challenges of food security?
The future challenges of food security include the increasing demand for food, the limited availability of resources, and the changing climate.
Question 1. Which of the following is not a major food crop grown in Bihar?
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Sugarcane
Answer. (D)
Question 2. Which of the following is the main source of irrigation in Bihar?
(A) Canals
(B) Wells
(C) Tube wells
(D) Tanks
Answer. (C)
Question 3. Which of the following is the main Livestock reared in Bihar?
(A) Cows
(B) Buffaloes
(C) Goats
(D) Sheep
Answer. (A)
Question 4. Which of the following is the main forest tree grown in Bihar?
(A) Sal
(B) Teak
(C) Bamboo
(D) Deodar
Answer. (A)
Question 5. Which of the following is the main mineral found in Bihar?
(A) Coal
(B) Iron Ore
(C) Mica
(D) Limestone
Answer. (A)
Question 6. Which of the following is the main industry in Bihar?
(A) Coal mining
(B) Iron and steel
(C) Cement
(D) Jute
Answer. (A)
Question 7. Which of the following is the main river in Bihar?
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Son
(D) Narmada
Answer. (A)
Question 8. Which of the following is the capital of Bihar?
(A) Patna
(B) Ranchi
(C) Jamshedpur
(D) Gaya
Answer. (A)
Question 9. Which of the following is the population of Bihar?
(A) 100 million
(B) 120 million
(C) 140 million
(D) 160 million
Answer. (B)
Question 10. Which of the following is the literacy rate of Bihar?
(A) 60%
(B) 70%
(C) 80%
(D) 90%
Answer. (A)