NCERT Solutions Class 9 Economics (social Science) Chapter – 4 ‘Food Security in India’ Quesiton Answer
Q. 1. How is food security ensured in India?
Answer:-
Food security in India is ensured through a carefully designed system that consists of two key components:
- Buffer Stock: The government maintains a reserve of food grains, primarily wheat and rice, through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). These grains are procured from farmers at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) and stored in warehouses to be used in times of shortage or crisis.
- Public Distribution System (PDS): The food grains procured by the FCI are distributed to the poorer sections of society through Fair Price Shops (FPS), commonly known as ration shops. These shops provide essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized rates to ensure affordability for economically weaker sections.
Additionally, the government has introduced various food security programs, such as:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Provides highly subsidized food grains to the poorest families.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Ensures nutritional support for children and pregnant women.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides free meals to school children to improve nutrition and encourage education.
These measures collectively help in ensuring food security by making food available, accessible, and affordable for all citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
Q. 2. Which are the people more prone to food insecurity?
Answer:-
Certain groups in India are more vulnerable to food insecurity due to economic and social factors. These include:
- Landless Agricultural Laborers: People who do not own land and rely on daily wages in farming are highly prone to food insecurity, especially during off-seasons.
- Small and Marginal Farmers: Those with very little land often struggle with low productivity and unstable incomes, making them vulnerable.
- Urban Poor: Casual laborers and workers in low-paying jobs in cities face food insecurity due to irregular employment and high living costs.
- Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs): These communities often have limited access to resources and employment opportunities, increasing their risk.
- Women and Children: Malnutrition is common among women and children, especially in economically weaker sections.
- People Affected by Natural Disasters: Those living in areas prone to droughts, floods, or other calamities often face food shortages.
These groups are at a higher risk of food insecurity due to poverty, lack of stable income, and limited access to nutritious food.
Q. 3. Which states are more food insecure in India?
Answer:-
In India, food insecurity is more prevalent in economically backward states with high poverty rates. The states that account for the largest number of food-insecure people include:
- Uttar Pradesh (Eastern and South-Eastern parts)
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Odisha
- West Bengal
- Chhattisgarh
- Parts of Madhya Pradesh
- Parts of Maharashtra
These regions face food insecurity due to factors like low agricultural productivity, high unemployment, and inadequate access to food distribution systems. The government addresses these challenges through schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) to ensure food availability for vulnerable populations.
Q. 4. Do you believe that green revolution has made India self-sufficient in food grains? How?
Answer:-
Yes, the Green Revolution has played a crucial role in making India self-sufficient in food grains. Here’s how:
- Increase in Food Grain Production: The introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, improved irrigation techniques, and modern farming methods led to a significant rise in the production of wheat and rice.
- Reduction in Dependence on Imports: Before the Green Revolution, India relied on food imports to meet domestic demand. However, after its implementation, India became self-reliant and reduced its dependence on foreign food aid.
- Prevention of Famines: Since the early 1970s, India has avoided major famines, even during adverse weather conditions, due to increased food grain availability.
- Expansion of Agricultural Infrastructure: The Green Revolution led to the development of better irrigation facilities, fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanized farming, which improved productivity.
- Surplus Food Production: India not only met its own food requirements but also started exporting food grains, strengthening its agricultural economy.
Thus, the Green Revolution transformed India’s agricultural sector, ensuring food security and making the country self-sufficient in food grains.
Q. 5. A section of people in India are still without food. Explain?
Answer:-
Despite India achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production, a section of people still remain food insecure due to various socio-economic factors:
- Poverty: Many people, especially landless laborers, small farmers, and urban poor, cannot afford sufficient food due to low income.
- Unequal Distribution: While food grains are produced in abundance, their distribution is uneven, leading to shortages in certain regions.
- Seasonal Unemployment: Agricultural laborers and casual workers face job insecurity, making it difficult to buy food during off-seasons.
- Social Discrimination: Marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), often have limited access to food resources.
- Natural Disasters: Droughts, floods, and other calamities disrupt food production and availability, affecting vulnerable populations.
- Lack of Awareness: Some people are unaware of government food security programs, preventing them from accessing subsidized food.
To address this issue, the government has implemented schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), and Mid-Day Meal Scheme, ensuring food reaches the needy. However, effective implementation and better targeting are required to eliminate food insecurity completely.
Q. 6. What happens to the supply of food when there is a disaster or a calamity?
Answer:-
During a disaster or calamity, the supply of food is severely affected due to various disruptions in production, distribution, and accessibility. Here’s what happens:
- Decline in Food Production: Natural disasters like droughts, floods, earthquakes, and cyclones damage crops, leading to a shortage of food grains.
- Disruption in Transportation and Distribution: Roads, railways, and supply chains may be damaged, making it difficult to transport food to affected areas.
- Increase in Food Prices: Due to scarcity, food prices rise, making it difficult for poor people to afford essential commodities.
- Food Insecurity Among Vulnerable Groups: The worst affected are landless laborers, small farmers, and urban poor, who struggle to access food.
- Government Intervention: To tackle food shortages, the government provides relief measures such as:
- Buffer Stock Release: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) releases stored food grains to stabilize supply.
- Public Distribution System (PDS): Ration shops distribute food at subsidized rates.
- Emergency Relief Programs: Free food distribution and community kitchens are set up in disaster-hit areas.
Thus, disasters and calamities create food shortages, but government policies and relief efforts help mitigate the impact and ensure food security for affected populations.
Q. 7. Differentiate between seasonal hunger and chronic hunger?
Answer:-
Difference Between Seasonal Hunger and Chronic Hunger
| Aspect | Seasonal Hunger | Chronic Hunger |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Hunger that occurs at specific times of the year due to seasonal variations in food availability and employment. | Persistent hunger due to long-term poverty and inadequate nutrition. |
| Causes | Linked to cycles of food growing and harvesting, affecting agricultural laborers and casual workers. | Caused by consistently low income, poor diet, and lack of access to nutritious food. |
| Affected Groups | Rural agricultural laborers, small farmers, and urban casual workers. | Poor families, malnourished individuals, and those with limited access to food security programs. |
| Duration | Temporary, occurring during lean seasons when food production is low. | Long-term, affecting individuals throughout the year. |
| Solution | Employment programs, food storage, and seasonal support schemes. | Poverty alleviation, nutrition programs, and long-term food security policies. |
Key Takeaways:
✅ Seasonal hunger is temporary and linked to agricultural cycles.
✅ Chronic hunger is long-term and results from persistent poverty.
✅ Government programs like MGNREGA and PDS help address both types of hunger.
Q. 8. What has our government done to provide food security to the poor? Discuss any two schemes launched by the government?
Answer:-
Government Initiatives for Food Security in India
The Indian government has implemented various food security programs to ensure that the poor have access to affordable and nutritious food. Two major schemes are:
1️⃣ Public Distribution System (PDS)
🏪 Fair Price Shops (Ration Shops) distribute subsidized food grains to economically weaker sections.
📦 Food Corporation of India (FCI) maintains buffer stocks to prevent shortages.
✅ Helps millions of families access essential food items at lower prices.
2️⃣ Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
🍛 Targets the poorest of the poor, providing highly subsidized food grains.
💰 Families receive 35 kg of food grains per month at extremely low prices.
✅ Ensures nutritional support for the most vulnerable sections of society.
Key Takeaways:
✅ PDS ensures food availability through ration shops.
✅ AAY provides extra support to the poorest families.
✅ Government policies aim to eliminate hunger and malnutrition.
Q. 9. Why buffer stock is created by the government?
Answer:-
Why Is Buffer Stock Created by the Government?
The government creates buffer stock to ensure food security and stabilize food prices during shortages or emergencies. This system helps protect vulnerable populations from food crises.
1️⃣ Ensuring Food Availability
📦 Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures food grains like wheat and rice from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
🏪 These grains are stored and later distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
2️⃣ Price Stabilization
💰 Prevents sharp price fluctuations by releasing food grains when market prices rise.
⚖️ Ensures affordable food for economically weaker sections.
3️⃣ Emergency Support During Calamities
🚨 Used during droughts, floods, and disasters to prevent food shortages.
🏥 Helps maintain nutrition levels for affected populations.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Buffer stock ensures food security and prevents shortages.
✅ Stabilizes food prices by controlling supply in the market.
✅ Supports disaster relief efforts by providing food during emergencies.
Q. 10. Write notes on:
(a) Minimum support price
(b) Buffer stock
(c) Issue price
(d) Fair price shops
Answer:-
Notes on Key Food Security Concepts
(a) Minimum Support Price (MSP)
📢 Definition – The pre-announced price at which the government purchases food grains from farmers.
🌾 Purpose – Ensures farmers get a fair price for their crops, preventing distress sales.
🏛️ Implementation – Declared annually before sowing season to encourage production.
(b) Buffer Stock
📦 Definition – Stock of food grains (mainly wheat and rice) maintained by the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
🎯 Purpose – Used to stabilize food prices and ensure food availability during shortages or disasters.
🏪 Distribution – Released through the Public Distribution System (PDS) to support food security.
(c) Issue Price
💰 Definition – The price at which food grains from buffer stock are sold to the poor through ration shops.
⚖️ Purpose – Lower than market price to make food affordable for economically weaker sections.
🏡 Impact – Helps reduce hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable groups.
(d) Fair Price Shops (Ration Shops)
🏪 Definition – Government-regulated shops that distribute subsidized food grains under PDS.
👨👩👧👦 Eligibility – Families with ration cards can buy essential items at lower prices.
✅ Items Available – Wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene at controlled rates.
Key Takeaways:
✅ MSP supports farmers, ensuring fair crop prices.
✅ Buffer stock stabilizes food supply during crises.
✅ Issue price makes food affordable for the poor.
✅ Fair price shops distribute subsidized food to ensure food security.
Q. 11. What are the problems of the functioning of ration shops?
Answer:-
Problems in the Functioning of Ration Shops
Ration shops, also known as Fair Price Shops (FPS), play a crucial role in India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). However, their functioning faces several challenges that affect food security for the poor.
1️⃣ Poor Quality of Food Grains
⚠️ Many ration shops provide low-quality grains, which are sometimes unfit for consumption.
⚠️ Complaints of damaged or adulterated food are common among beneficiaries.
2️⃣ Corruption & Diversion of Supplies
💰 Some dealers sell rationed food in the open market for higher profits.
🚧 Fake ration cards and misallocation of food grains lead to leakage in the system.
3️⃣ Irregular Supply & Stock Shortages
📦 Many shops do not receive adequate stock on time, causing delays in food distribution.
🚨 Beneficiaries often find ration shops closed or out of stock, leading to food insecurity.
4️⃣ Lack of Awareness & Accessibility
📢 Many poor families are unaware of their entitlements, leading to exclusion.
🏡 Remote villages and tribal areas lack proper access to ration shops.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Low-quality food, corruption, and stock shortages affect the efficiency of ration shops.
✅ Leakage in the system leads to food grains being sold in the open market.
✅ Better monitoring, transparency, and awareness can improve the functioning of PDS.
Q. 12. Write a note on the role of cooperatives in providing food and related items.
Answer:-
Role of Cooperatives in Providing Food and Related Items
Cooperatives play a significant role in ensuring food security in India, particularly in the southern and western regions. They help provide affordable food and essential items to economically weaker sections.
1️⃣ Distribution of Low-Priced Goods
🏪 Fair Price Shops Run by Cooperatives – In Tamil Nadu, 94% of ration shops are managed by cooperatives.
🥛 Mother Dairy (Delhi) – Supplies milk and vegetables at controlled rates.
🐄 Amul (Gujarat) – A cooperative responsible for the White Revolution, ensuring milk availability.
2️⃣ Food Security Initiatives
📦 Grain Banks by Academy of Development Science (ADS) – Helps store food grains for distribution in Maharashtra.
📚 Training & Capacity Building – ADS organizes programs to improve food security awareness.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Cooperatives ensure food availability at affordable prices.
✅ Initiatives like Mother Dairy, Amul, and ADS contribute to food security.
✅ Government collaboration with cooperatives strengthens food distribution networks.