Haryana 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.
Contribution of Haryana in India’s Food economy
India experienced a historically unprecedented Growth of agricultural production after a century of stagnation post independence. Haryana along with Punjab have been main driver of the unprecedented growth and play an important role in securing food security of India. Haryana plays an important role in country’s food-grain production.
Haryana State came into existence simultaneously with Green Revolution i.e. 1966-67. After the formation, Haryana emerge as leading State in field of agriculture production. The agricultural economy of Haryana is dominated by food grains. Haryana has emerged as one of the major food grains producing States in the country. Consisting only 2.3 per cent of country’s total area, Haryana has been contributing significantly to the food basket of the country.
With the advent of green revolution, Haryana emerge as main producer of two main food grains i.e. wheat and rice. So the production of coarse grain and pulses declined in the State. Country registered robust economic growth in past decade and rise in per capita income the consumption of coarse Cereals also goes down. The share of Haryana in coarse grain production recorded only 2.12 percent in 2012 -13.
Contribution of Haryana to procurement
The national objective of Inclusive Growth, which emphasis on social Justice and progressive improvements in the living standards of the Population, can only be realized by ensuring food grain for population at affordable prices. Food grain policy of India has three objectives: procurement of food grains from farmers at remunerative prices, distribution of food grains to the consumer particularly the vulnerable section of Society at affordable prices, and maintenance of food buffer for food security and price stability. Thus the food policy of India tried to cover the Three dimension of food security availability, by ensuring food grains at MSP making food grain production profitable for the farmers accessibility by distributing of food grains at Central Issue Prices (CIP) and making accessible for weaker section through PDS system and last stability, by creating buffer stock. In order to ensure food security in country,
Government has enacted National Food Security Act (NFSA) under which food grains are to be provided to the States/UTs for distribution to the people at a highly subsidized prices .
Government has proposed various schemes to provide food grains in the state. Schemes such as Antodaya Anna Yojana , Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDM), Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) Annapurna Yozana Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) – SABLA, are the other major food program which is currently run by the GOI to ensure food grains for vulnerable section of the society. To provide food grain for all these schemes, the government procures grain directly from the farmers or from the open market at a MSP, which is decided by the central government on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The function of procurement of food grains is entrusted to the Food Corporation of India (FCI), along with procurement FCI also do storage, movement and distribution of food grains. Procurement of food grains is key for ensuring food security of country. Haryana is one of the leading contributors in procurement of food grains. Wheat and rice are the crops which dominate Indian PDS.
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.
Haryana Food security Act
Haryana has set up a State Vigilance Panel for regular supervision of the implementation of all schemes under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
The panel, formed under the chairmanship of the state food and supplies minister, would inform the district grievance redressal officer in writing of any violation of the provisions of the Act and also of any malpractice or misappropriation of funds found by it.
For these purposes, the state vigilance panel could nominate any officer or team of officers working in any department, board or corporation in the state as inquiry officers or team. He said that the director-general, food and supplies department, would be the member secretary of the committee.
In the state, pulses are all set to be part of the Haryana Food Security Scheme in Haryana. They were part of the supplies being provided under the scheme but are yet to reach beneficiaries because of a legal issue and departmental formalities over procurement. The pulses will cost the state exchequer an additional Rs 225 crore.
While the scheme will reach almost half of the state, Pulses will only be given to below POVERTY line (BPL) families and Antyodaya Anna Yojna (AAY) families. They will cost the government an Average Rs 62 per kg and will be supplied to the beneficiaries at Rs 20 per kg. They are to be distributed to 12.84 lakh beneficiaries through fair price shops of the food and supply department with each family set to get two-and-a-half kg of pulses every month.
Problems like bulk supply for a longer duration has become a major hurdle for the department as prices of the pulses vary on a day-to-day basis. As per a rough estimate, the government will require about 3,000 metric tonne pulses for one-time supply.
Various hurdles in implementing the programme
Government would be giving pulses that have been due for the last two months as supplies have reached all the district headquarters. Programme has covered nearly 60 per cent of the target. The government is distributing these supplies through the ration depots. The government is already on a slippery wicket in the matter of identifying beneficiaries and glaring discrepancies in the process has put it in an embarrassing situation. There is allegation that food and supplies department has bungled in identification of priority households and had drastically reduced their number.
Conclusion
Haryana 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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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.
Haryana is a state in northern India. It is one of the most prosperous states in India, with a high per capita income. However, Haryana also has a high rate of poverty. According to the 2011 census, 11.9% of the population of Haryana lived below the Poverty Line.
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the people of Haryana. The state is known for its production of wheat, rice, Cotton, and sugarcane. However, the agricultural sector in Haryana is facing a number of challenges, including water scarcity, Soil degradation, and low productivity.
The government of Haryana has taken a number of steps to improve food security in the state. These include providing subsidies to farmers, investing in Irrigation Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, and promoting the use of modern agricultural practices. The government has also launched a number of programs to improve nutrition and reduce hunger in the state.
Despite the efforts of the government, food security remains a challenge in Haryana. A number of factors contribute to this, including the high rate of poverty, the low productivity of the agricultural sector, and the lack of access to nutritious food for many people.
There are a number of opportunities for improving food security in Haryana. These include increasing the productivity of the agricultural sector, improving access to nutritious food, and promoting Sustainable Agriculture. The government of Haryana, along with non-governmental organizations and the private sector, can work together to address these challenges and improve food security in the state.
The future of food security in Haryana depends on a number of factors, including the success of the government’s efforts to improve the agricultural sector, the availability of water Resources, and the changing Climate. If these factors are favorable, then food security in Haryana can be improved in the future. However, if these factors are unfavorable, then food security in Haryana could be threatened.
In conclusion, food security is a complex issue in Haryana. There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to improve food security in the state. However, there are also a number of opportunities for improvement. The government of Haryana, along with non-governmental organizations and the private sector, can work together to address these challenges and improve food security in the state.
Here are some frequently asked questions about food security:
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What is food security?
Food security is a condition 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 significant impact on individuals, families, and communities. It can lead to malnutrition, poor Health, and social isolation. It can also have a negative impact on children’s development and Education. -
What are the solutions to food insecurity?
There are many things that can be done to address food insecurity, including increasing access to affordable healthy food, providing food assistance programs, and supporting policies that promote food security. -
What is the role of government in addressing food insecurity?
Governments play an important role in addressing food insecurity. They can provide food assistance programs, support policies that promote food security, and invest in programs that address the root causes of food insecurity. -
What is the role of the private sector in addressing food insecurity?
The private sector can also play an important role in addressing food insecurity. Businesses can donate food, support food banks, and invest in programs that address the root causes of food insecurity. -
What is the role of individuals in addressing food insecurity?
Individuals can also play an important role in addressing food insecurity. They can donate food, volunteer at food banks, and support policies that promote food security. -
What is the future of food security?
The future of food security is uncertain. The world’s population is growing, and Climate Change is making it more difficult to produce food. However, there are many things that can be done to address food insecurity, and there is hope that we can create a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food.
Question 1. Which of the following is not a component of food security?
(A) Availability
(B) Access
(C) Utilization
(D) Sustainability
Answer. (D) Sustainability. Food security is defined as “access by all people at all times to enough safe and nutritious food for an active and healthy life.” It is a complex issue that encompasses a number of factors, including availability, access, utilization, and sustainability. Sustainability is not one of the four pillars of food security.
Question 2. Which of the following is not a factor that can affect food security?
(A) Climate change
(B) Conflict
(C) Economic growth
(D) Population Growth
Answer. (C) Economic growth. Economic growth can actually help to improve food security by increasing incomes and making it easier for people to afford food. However, it can also lead to increased demand for food, which can put pressure on food supplies.
Question 3. Which of the following is not a goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
(A) Zero hunger
(B) Good health and well-being
(C) Quality education
(D) Decent work and economic growth
Answer. (C) Quality education. The SDGs are a set of 17 goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The goals are designed to be achieved by 2030. Goal 2 is “Zero hunger.” Goal 3 is “Good health and well-being.” Goal 4 is “Quality education.” Goal 5 is “Equality/”>Gender Equality.” Goal 6 is “Clean water and sanitation.” Goal 7 is “Affordable and clean energy.” Goal 8 is “Decent work and economic growth.” Goal 9 is “Industry, innovation and infrastructure.” Goal 10 is “Reduced inequalities.” Goal 11 is “Sustainable cities and communities.” Goal 12 is “Responsible consumption and production.” Goal 13 is “Climate action.” Goal 14 is “Life below water.” Goal 15 is “Life on land.” Goal 16 is “Peace, justice and strong institutions.” Goal 17 is “Partnerships for the goals.”
Question 4. Which of the following is not a type of food insecurity?
(A) Chronic food insecurity
(B) Transitory food insecurity
(C) Cyclic food insecurity
(D) Seasonal food insecurity
Answer. (C) Cyclic food insecurity. Chronic food insecurity is the most severe form of food insecurity. It occurs when people do not have enough food to eat on a regular basis. Transitory food insecurity is a less severe form of food insecurity. It occurs when people do not have enough food to eat for a short period of time, such as during a period of unemployment or illness. Seasonal food insecurity is a type of food insecurity that occurs during certain times of the year, such as during the winter months when food is more expensive.
Question 5. Which of the following is not a strategy for addressing food insecurity?
(A) Increasing food production
(B) Improving access to food
(C) Reducing food waste
(D) Increasing economic growth
Answer. (D) Increasing economic growth. Increasing economic growth can help to improve food security by increasing incomes and making it easier for people to afford food. However, it is not a direct strategy for addressing food insecurity. Other strategies, such as increasing food production, improving access to food, and reducing food waste, are more directly focused on addressing the root causes of food insecurity.