UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 3- issues of buffer stocks and food security Introduction India has moved from food-aid dependence in the 1960s to becoming a major food producer. This achievement is supported by strong buffer stocks and the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which provides subsidised foodgrains to around 800 million people. Climate change… Continue reading Making India’s Food System Climate-Proof Cannot Wait
Tag: food security
A Timely Reset for the Food Security Act
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 3-Food security Introduction India’s food-security debate is entering a new phase as the proposed 2026 National Food Security Act amendment seeks to change the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) entitlement from 35 kg per household to 7 kg per person, capped at 35 kg. While the proposal aims to reduce differences in… Continue reading A Timely Reset for the Food Security Act
Gujarat HC’s strictures against the campaign to stop sale of non-vegetarian food is a much-needed pushback
News: Gujarat HC questioned the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation about restricting the sale of non-vegetarian food in the city. What is the issue all about? Read here: Targeting food: Gujarat civic bodies’ unjustifiable action on vendors selling non-veg fare must be rolled back What do the stats show about the dietary habits of Gujarat state? According to the… Continue reading Gujarat HC’s strictures against the campaign to stop sale of non-vegetarian food is a much-needed pushback
Hunger isn’t about biology. It’s about politics
News: In the absence of an organized food security net and political commitment, India is being crippled by the challenge of pervasive hunger and malnourishment James Vernon in his book Hunger: A modern history wrote that hunger is a timeless and inescapable biological condition. While he was right, the real problem was captured by Karl… Continue reading Hunger isn’t about biology. It’s about politics
Why Fortified food is no magic bullet
Synopsis: Fortification of food is not a panacea to India’s problem of malnutrition. Fundamental causes of inadequate dietary intake need to be addressed instead. Background – Read this first: Food Fortification in India Note: Please proceed further only after going through the above article. The points already covered in the above article have not been… Continue reading Why Fortified food is no magic bullet
Food Systems Summit: ‘Supports to farmers keeping the world away from SDGs and the Paris Agreement’
Contents1 What is the news?2 About the report3 What are the findings of the report?4 What are the recommendations? What is the news? On September 14, three UN agencies — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) — released A multi-billion-dollar opportunity: Repurposing agricultural support to transform food… Continue reading Food Systems Summit: ‘Supports to farmers keeping the world away from SDGs and the Paris Agreement’
Biofortified food can lead India from food security to nutrition security
Source: Indian Express Relevance: Tackling malnutrition Synopsis: Using science to address the complex challenge of malnutrition, particularly for low-income and vulnerable sections of the society, can be a good intervention. Bio-fortification of food can come handy to address the issue of malnutrition in India along with other measures. Contents1 Context2 Malnutrition in India3 Recent developments 4… Continue reading Biofortified food can lead India from food security to nutrition security
Don’t chase the mirage of iron-fortified rice
Source: Indian Express Relevance: about rice fortification programme Synopsis: Rice fortification programme might not be the answer to India’s food security and nutritional challenges. A push to a balanced and diverse diet is a far more superior strategy. Issues with the recently announced mandatory rice fortification programme. Contents1 Background2 The problem3 Is fortification prog necessary?4… Continue reading Don’t chase the mirage of iron-fortified rice
Adding micronutrients to rice: how, why, and how much (On fortification)
Source: Indian Express What is the news? In his Independence Day speech, Indian PM announced the fortification of rice distributed under various government schemes, including the public distribution system (PDS) and midday meals in schools, by 2024. Contents1 Background2 How rice fortification is done in India?3 Extrusion technology4 Cost of fortification Background Read here: PM announces… Continue reading Adding micronutrients to rice: how, why, and how much (On fortification)
India’s godowns are overflowing. So why are people starving?
Source: Indian Express, Down to Earth Relevance: Understand the challenges of food security in times of COVID Contents1 Synopsis2 Findings of the SOFI report3 Indicators of food security4 Causes of food insecurity in India Synopsis Undernourishment has been a global challenge over the last few decades. This has been further highlighted by the state of… Continue reading India’s godowns are overflowing. So why are people starving?
