Food Security

Management of poverty and inequalities; geopolitical instability; scarcity; degradation of resources; and climate change will determine future food security.

According to a new assessment from the Food and Agriculture Organization, if current agrifood systems continue, the world will experience persistent food insecurity, depleting resources, and unsustainable economic development in the future.

It examined how these interacted and influenced the various agrifood system activities.
- such as farming, food processing, and food consumption.
The statement emphasised the urgent need to shift course to achieve a more sustainable and resilient future for agrifood systems.
It proposed four key ‘triggers of transformation.’
- Improved governance.
- Critical and informed consumers.
- Better income and wealth distribution.
- Innovative technologies and approaches.

Food security is when all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
Parliament passed the Food Security Act of 2013 to ensure food security for all Indian citizens.
National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
- The goal is to ensure that people have access to an appropriate supply of wholesome food at affordable costs, allowing them to live dignified lives.
- Coverage and entitlement under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
- In case of non-supply of entitled food grains or meals, there is a provision for food security allowance to entitled beneficiaries.
- Provisions for the publication of PDS records have been implemented to ensure accountability and transparency.

Progress on SDG has been uneven.
- Food safety continues to be a worry as various food conditions deteriorate.
- For many of the most marginalised and disadvantaged individuals in the globe, the food system continues to be a source of instability in their livelihoods.
Biophysical, environmental and disease trends
- Food systems are being significantly impacted by climate change.
- Food security is significantly impacted by threats to food safety, hazards in the food supply, pests, and emerging diseases, such as COVID-19.
Technology, innovation and infrastructure trends
- Recent years have seen growing support for innovation for sustainable agricultural production methods.
- Some of them are agroecology, sustainable intensification, and climate-smart agriculture.
Political and institutional trends
- Public sector investment in food and agriculture has decreased.
- Civil strife and conflict jeopardise the food security of millions of people worldwide.

Urgently build more sustainable, resource-efficient and resilient food systems.

Support a wide range of food production and distribution networks, including territorial market arrangements.
Take responsible trade measures to maintain food price stability, especially in public health and emergencies.
Ensuring Transparency in Food Stock Holdings
Foodgrain banks can be established at the block/village level, from which people can obtain subsidised food grains in exchange for food coupons.
Using an Umbrella Approach to Address Issues
India can look forward to a sustainable green economy by viewing disparate issues through a typical lens, such as inequality, food diversity, indigenous rights, and environmental justice.

Pic Courtesy: freepik

Content Source: Down to Earth