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Food security in India is ensured through a two-pronged approach: the maintenance of buffer stocks and the public distribution system (PDS). The buffer stock is created by the government by procuring food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) to ensure adequate supply during times of scarcity. The PDS, on the other hand, distributes food grains to the poor at subsidized rates through a network of fair price shops.

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People living below the poverty line are more prone to food insecurity. This includes marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and some sections of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Additionally, people affected by natural disasters or calamities are also at risk of food insecurity.

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States in eastern and south-eastern India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and West Bengal, are more food insecure. These states face challenges related to agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.

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Yes, the Green Revolution has played a significant role in making India self-sufficient in food grains. It led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity, especially in the production of wheat and rice. This increase in productivity helped India avoid famines and ensured a steady supply of food grains.

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Despite progress in food production and distribution, a section of people in India remains without food due to various reasons such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. The rising cost of food and limited access to food grains also contribute to food insecurity among vulnerable populations.

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When there is a disaster or calamity, the supply of food is often disrupted due to damage to crops, infrastructure, and transportation networks. This can lead to a shortage of food grains and an increase in prices, making it difficult for people to access food.

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Seasonal hunger is temporary and occurs during certain times of the year when food availability is low, such as during the lean agricultural season. Chronic hunger, on the other hand, is long-term and results from persistent lack of access to food and inadequate nutrition.

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The government has launched several schemes to provide food security to the poor. Two such schemes are the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to eligible beneficiaries through the PDS, while the Mid-Day Meal Scheme provides free meals to school children to improve nutrition levels and encourage school attendance.

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Buffer stock is created by the government to ensure food security during times of scarcity. It helps stabilize food prices and ensures that there is an adequate supply of food grains for distribution to the poor.

(a) Minimum Support Price (MSP): MSP is the price at which the government purchases food grains from farmers to ensure a minimum level of income for them. It helps stabilize prices and provides price support to farmers.

(b) Buffer Stock: Buffer stock is the stock of food grains maintained by the government to ensure food security. It is used to meet emergency requirements and stabilize prices in the market.

(c) Issue Price: Issue price is the price at which food grains are distributed to the poor through the PDS. It is lower than the market price to ensure affordability for the poor.

(d) Fair Price Shops: Fair Price Shops are shops authorized by the government to distribute food grains to the poor at subsidized rates under the PDS.

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Ration shops face several challenges in their functioning, including issues related to corruption, leakages, and inefficiency. There are often complaints of poor quality of food grains and irregular opening of shops, which affect the access of the poor to subsidized food.

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Cooperatives play an important role in providing food security through the distribution of food and related items. They help in the procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains, especially in rural areas. Cooperatives such as Amul and Mother Dairy have been instrumental in ensuring the availability of milk and milk products at affordable prices. Additionally, cooperatives help in empowering farmers and small-scale producers by providing them with access to markets and fair prices for their produce.