West Bengal: Food Security

Income difference causes structural issues that may cause hindrance in economic process, food security, POVERTY and social unrest. Therefore, the pattern of income distribution could be a matter of the concern to the economists for an extended time. Difference in income distribution compels to measure in poverty for a considerable portion of Population. A smaller reduction of income difference, even in absence of Growth, will cause substantial decline in impoverishment. Poverty, difference and food insecurity are the foremost crucial and chronic issues facing humanity now-a-days. Their alleviations are or a minimum of ought to be at the centre of any important development effort. in reality high difference is coupled with conflict and political instability as a result of it creates incentives for individuals to interact in activities outside the market (e.g., illegal drug traffic, crime) that contribute to political and social instability. Such instability generates disruptions within the current economy and uncertainty regarding the long run, thereby discouraging the build up of wealth, Savings and Investment.

Food security is one dimension of economic condition, assessing whether or not a household will meet its food desires and its vulnerability to shocks. Therefore, it may be explicit that food insecurity, poverty, deficiency disease, income inequality and lack of decent EMPLOYMENT opportunities reinforce one another in a very regeneration by eroding Human Capital and decreasing labour productivity, thereby perpetuating economic condition and social inequalities across generations. Therefore, making new jobs and upgrading the standard of existing ones, significantly in rural areas, ought to be a core pillar of any development strategy addressing the worldwide hunger challenge.

Mixture of dried lentils, peas, soybeans, beans – background

In the decades of 80’s and 90’s the growth rate of food grains had outstripped that of population in West Bengal. It is, therefore, obvious that there shouldn’t be poverty within the state. However really, this is often not true. There could also be variety of reasons behind it viz., wastages of food, uneven distribution of food and short buying power within the hands of the poor individuals. Although the food handiness in India may well be represented nowadays as state of masses, however typically starvation death news happens. Production surplus doesn’t basically indicate equivalent food accessibility, pretty much as good numbers of individuals don’t have enough cash to shop for food. The spectacular agricultural growth on income distribution in rural West Bengal throughout the 1980s and early 1990s disclosed that in 1983 to 1993-94, once agricultural output in West Bengal was growing at an new rate, the degree of difference within the distribution of rural consumption expenditure declined considerably. However, throughout the later a part of 1990s, once the rate of growth of agricultural output. Declined well, its impact on rural income distribution was reversed, with slowing within the rate of growth of rural employment and Average earning of the agricultural labour households. Therefore financial gain distribution in rural West Bengal favoured the poorer categories of population or marginal and little farmers throughout the amount of spectacular agricultural growth. However neither the agricultural growth nor the favourable amendment in rural financial gain distribution may be sustained within the following period.

Food & Supplies Department was started in West Bengal in the month of March, 1943. The Department, being the administrative department, is that the apex body below the State Government. It is additionally chargeable for the management of the food economy of the State and for taking policy decisions thereon. The Department has the twin responsibilities of procuring of food grains distributing of food grains and a few alternative essential commodities moreover as for observation and imposing orders enacted beneath the EC Act, 55. It keeps close watch on the stock position, index, handiness of essential commodities, as well as food, operation of Public Distribution System. It monitors the functioning of various directorates there under for implementation of various orders.

The major objectives of the department are as follows:

i) Guarantee food security for the vulnerable and poor
ii) Deliver higher quality of Services to citizens via PDS

iii) Empower citizens in PDS and Food security.

Under the National Food Security Act (NFASA), central government has been supply rice at Rs 3 per kilo and wheat at Rs 2 per kilo to every beneficiary monthly. Government of India bears a grant of Rs 17 per kilo for Wheat and Rs.23-24 per kilo on Rice.

Public Distribution System (PDS), with its focus originally on distribution of food grains in urban insufficiency areas, had emanated from the vital food shortages of the sixties. Later, the outreach of PDS was extended from time to time throughout 1970s and 1980s to tribal blocks and areas of high incidence of financial condition. Until middle of 1992, PDS was a general entitlement scheme for customers without any specific target. With the target of geographical targeting to hide all the individuals in poor areas, Government of India (GoI) launched Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) in June 1992 that was introduced in West Bengal in September 1992 with the subsequent objectives:

To take care of uninterrupted flow of essential commodities at reasonable costs to the common person throughout the year;
To produce essential commodities to poor and vulnerable sections of Society specifically within the far off mountainous, remote and inaccessible areas.

In June 1997, GoI introduced the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) so as to hide all the poor altogether the areas by earmarking a hard and fast amount (10 kg) of foodgrains1 to families living Below Poverty Line (BPL) and on a scale2 to be determined by government supported allocations received from GoI to families higher than poverty line (APL). The GoI later magnified the allocation to BPL families to twenty kilogram of food grains per family per month with impact from April 2000. so as to form TPDS additional cantered and targeted towards poorest of the poor, GoI launched (December 2000) Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), that aimed toward reducing hunger among the poorest section of population by creating TPDS edges additional substantial in terms of each Nutrition and value. In West Bengal, AAY was introduced in October 2001. AAY contemplates identification of poorest of the poor families from amongst BPL families lined under TPDS and providing them food grains at a extremely supported rate of ` 2 per kilogram for wheat and ` 3 per kilogram for rice. The authorities were in contact the cost, together with margins to dealers and distributors additionally because the transportation cost. The dimensions of issue have been increased from 25 kilogram to 35 kilogram per family per month with impact from April 2002.

Economic policies particularly with regards to rural development have undergone a lot of modification over the previous few years in India, and a lot of modification is within the method of being enforced. The debate surroundings these reforms has mobilized monumental attention and energy, and also the arguments conferred on both sides are quite forceful and firm, even resentful. These debates but will facilitate to push human capabilities, and, given the imperative want for fast elimination of endemic deprivation. The contribution of agricultural income within the income profile is a smaller amount than that of non-agricultural income that exhibits the deplorable condition of agriculture and thereby the non-agricultural sector has an vast scope for reduction of income difference even the actual fact remains that concerning 65 per cent of the agricultural population engages in agriculture. Up to now as food security is bothered, although India achieved independence in cereal production since 1970s, the accomplishment didn’t percolate right down to plenty. These deprivations are very acute with differentiated degrees of severity in most sub-groups except medium farms.,

West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It is the third-most populous state in India, with over 91 million people. The state has a long history of agriculture, and it is one of the major food producers in India.

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for over 60% of the population of West Bengal. The state has a diverse agricultural landscape, with a variety of crops being grown. The major crops grown in West Bengal are rice, jute, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses.

The state has a long history of Food Processing. The first food processing factory was established in West Bengal in the 18th century. The state is now home to a number of food processing industries, which produce a variety of products, including processed foods, beverages, and spices.

Nutrition is a major concern in West Bengal. The state has a high prevalence of Malnutrition, especially among children. The government has taken a number of initiatives to improve nutrition in the state, including providing subsidies on food grains and launching nutrition programs.

Poverty is another major concern in West Bengal. The state has a high poverty rate, and a large number of people live below the poverty line. The government has taken a number of initiatives to reduce poverty in the state, including providing employment opportunities and launching social safety net programs.

The public distribution system (PDS) is a government program that provides food grains at subsidized prices to the poor. The PDS is one of the largest social safety net programs in India, and it covers over 70% of the population of West Bengal.

Social safety nets are programs that provide financial assistance to the poor and vulnerable. The government of West Bengal has launched a number of social safety net programs, including the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.

Trade is an important part of the economy of West Bengal. The state is a major exporter of agricultural products, including rice, jute, and tea. The state is also a major importer of manufactured goods, including machinery, electronics, and petroleum products.

The food security situation in West Bengal is a complex one. The state has a long history of agriculture, and it is one of the major food producers in India. However, the state also has a high prevalence of malnutrition, poverty, and Unemployment. The government has taken a number of initiatives to improve food security in the state, but there is still a long way to go.

One of the major challenges to food security in West Bengal is the high prevalence of malnutrition. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 36.4% of children under the age of five in West Bengal are stunted, 19.9% are underweight, and 7.5% are wasted. Malnutrition can have a number of negative consequences for children, including impaired physical and cognitive development, increased risk of infection, and decreased school performance.

Another challenge to food security in West Bengal is the high poverty rate. According to the Planning Commission of India, the poverty rate in West Bengal was 21.1% in 2011-12. Poverty can make it difficult for people to afford nutritious food, and it can also lead to malnutrition.

Unemployment is another challenge to food security in West Bengal. According to the Labour Bureau of India, the unemployment rate in West Bengal was 5.7% in 2017-18. Unemployment can make it difficult for people to earn a living, and it can also lead to poverty and malnutrition.

The government of West Bengal has taken a number of initiatives to improve food security in the state. These initiatives include:

Providing subsidies on food grains: The government of West Bengal provides subsidies on food grains to the poor and vulnerable. This helps to ensure that people have access to affordable food.
Launching nutrition programs: The government of West Bengal has launched a number of nutrition programs, which provide food and nutrition supplements to children, pregnant Women, and lactating mothers. These programs help to improve the nutritional status of the population.
Expanding the public distribution system: The government of West Bengal has expanded the public distribution system (PDS), which provides food grains at subsidized prices to the poor. This helps to ensure that people have access to affordable food.
Implementing social safety net programs: The government of West Bengal has implemented a number of social safety net programs, which provide financial assistance to the poor and vulnerable. These programs help to reduce poverty and improve food security.

Despite these initiatives, there is still a long way to go to improve food security in West Bengal. The government needs to continue to invest in agriculture, nutrition, and social safety net programs. It also needs to address the challenges of Poverty and Unemployment.

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 and nutritious 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 Education, employment, and Economic Development.

What are the solutions to food insecurity?

There are many things that can be done to address food insecurity, including:

Increasing access to affordable and nutritious food
Providing food assistance programs
Promoting healthy eating habits
Addressing the root Causes of Poverty

What is the role of government in addressing food insecurity?

Governments play a vital role in addressing food insecurity. They can provide food assistance programs, promote healthy eating habits, and address the root causes of poverty.

What is the role of the private sector in addressing food insecurity?

The private sector can also play a role in addressing food insecurity. Businesses can donate food, provide jobs, and support food assistance programs.

What is the role of civil society in addressing food insecurity?

Civil society organizations can also play a role in addressing food insecurity. They can provide food assistance, promote healthy eating habits, and advocate for policies that address food insecurity.

What is the role of individuals in addressing food insecurity?

Individuals can also play a role in addressing food insecurity. They can donate food, volunteer at food banks, and support policies that address food insecurity.

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 also many promising initiatives underway to address food insecurity. With continued effort, it is possible to achieve food security for all.

Sure. Here are some MCQs on the following topics:

What is food security?

Food security is a state of affairs 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 four pillars of food security?

The four pillars of food security are:

Availability: Sufficient food must be available at all times.
Accessibility: Everyone must have access to food, regardless of their income or social status.
Utilization: Food must be used in a way that meets people’s nutritional needs.
Stability: Food security must be maintained over time, even in the face of shocks and stresses.
What are the main challenges to food security?

The main challenges to food security are:

Poverty: Poverty is a major cause of food insecurity. People who are poor often cannot afford to buy enough food to meet their needs.
Conflict: Conflict can disrupt food production and distribution, leading to food insecurity.
Climate Change: Climate change is causing extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, which can damage crops and make food more expensive.
Disease: Disease can reduce the availability of food, as well as the ability of people to work and produce food.
What are some of the initiatives that have been taken to address food insecurity?

Some of the initiatives that have been taken to address food insecurity include:

Investing in agriculture: Investing in agriculture can help to increase food production and make food more affordable.
Providing food assistance: Food assistance programs can help to ensure that people have access to food, even when they cannot afford to buy it.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to protect the Environment and ensure that food is produced in a way that is not harmful to the planet.
What is the role of the government in addressing food insecurity?

The government has a role to play in addressing food insecurity by:

Providing food assistance programs: The government can provide food assistance programs to help people who are struggling to afford food.
Investing in agriculture: The government can invest in agriculture to help increase food production and make food more affordable.
Promoting sustainable agriculture: The government can promote sustainable agriculture practices to help protect the environment and ensure that food is produced in a way that is not harmful to the planet.
What is the role of the private sector in addressing food insecurity?

The private sector has a role to play in addressing food insecurity by:

Providing food assistance programs: The private sector can provide food assistance programs to help people who are struggling to afford food.
Investing in agriculture: The private sector can invest in agriculture to help increase food production and make food more affordable.
Promoting sustainable agriculture: The private sector can promote sustainable agriculture practices to help protect the environment and ensure that food is produced in a way that is not harmful to the planet.
What is the role of civil society in addressing food insecurity?

Civil society has a role to play in addressing food insecurity by:

Providing food assistance programs: Civil society organizations can provide food assistance programs to help people who are struggling to afford food.
Advocating for policies that address food insecurity: Civil society organizations can advocate for policies that address food insecurity, such as increasing access to food assistance programs and investing in agriculture.
Educating people about food insecurity: Civil society organizations can educate people about food insecurity and the challenges that people face in accessing food.
What is the role of the individual in addressing food insecurity?

The individual has a role to play in addressing food insecurity by:

Donating to food banks and other food assistance programs: Individuals can donate to food banks and other food assistance programs to help people who are struggling to afford food.
Volunteering at food banks and other food assistance programs: Individuals can volunteer at food banks and other food assistance programs to help people who are struggling to afford food.
Educating themselves about food insecurity: Individuals can educate themselves about food insecurity and the challenges that people face in accessing food.
Making sustainable food choices: Individuals can make sustainable food choices, such as buying local and organic food, to help protect the environment and ensure that food is produced in a way that is not harmful to the planet.