The key to India’s hunger challenge

Source: The post is based on the article “The key to India’s hunger challenge: A focus on gender-sensitive growth” published in “The India express” on 21st August 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- poverty and developmental issues.

News: In this article author discusses India’s progress in reducing poverty, highlighting achievements since 1991. They mention the growth in foreign reserves and food production, but also point out challenges like malnutrition in children and the impacts of climate change. The author suggests focusing on women’s education and investing in agricultural research for a better future.

How has India been able to reduce poverty?

Government Efforts: Indian government lifted 135 million people out of poverty from 2015-16 to 2019-21.

Economic Shift: Post-1991 reforms transitioned India from state-controlled to a market-oriented economy, boosting growth.

Rise in Foreign Reserves: Reserves increased from $1.4 billion in 1991 to around $600 billion, stabilizing the economy.

Green Revolution: Transformed India into the largest rice exporter.

White Revolution: Positioned India as the top milk producer with 222 MT production.

Cotton Production: Introduction of Bt cotton in 2002 made India the biggest cotton producer.

Together, these measures and achievements have contributed to a significant reduction in poverty.

What challenges are present in poverty alleviation efforts?

Challenges in India’s poverty alleviation efforts include:

Persistent Malnutrition: NFHS-5 (2019-21) showed 32% of children are underweight, 35% stunted, and 19% wasted.

Climate Change: Increases risks to food systems, which can impact poverty alleviation. Extreme weather events like heat waves and flash floods are concerning.

Low Women Participation: Only 30% of women were part of the labor force in 2021-22, indicating untapped potential.

Education Gaps: For effective poverty alleviation, women’s education beyond the 12th grade is vital, but many don’t have this opportunity.

Agricultural Challenges: Need for increased investment in research to ensure sustainable and nutritious food growth to support poverty reduction.

What should be done?

Empower Women in Tech: Train women in 15,000 self-help groups to fly drones for agricultural purposes.

Strengthen Agricultural Research: Double or triple R&D expenditures in agriculture for sustainable growth and nutritious food.

Tackle Malnutrition: Address the high percentages of underweight, stunted, and wasted children through targeted interventions.

Ditch Outdated Policies: Move away from export controls and stocking limits, which are remnants of older economic strategies.

Collaborate with Leading Institutions: Engage top institutions like Punjab Agriculture University for ushering in a new era of sustainable and nutritious agriculture.

Prioritize Women in Workforce: Boost the women’s participation rate in the labor force by providing skill formation and higher education opportunities.