A Section of People in India are still Without Food. Explain.

Irrespective of the country’s successes in food security, there are still individuals in India who do not have enough food. Poverty, unemployment, agriculture system problems, and natural disasters are a few of the factors. It is critical to establish a comprehensive strategy to address this problem that considers all of these factors and implements activities to reduce poverty, enhance access to resources, and provide assistance in times of need.

A section of India is still without food. Explain?

Section of People Still Without Food in India

Indians who are considered to be impoverished and without access to regular food sources make up about 22% of the population. A third of Indian youngsters are said to be undernourished, which is another problem. The causes are poverty and a lack of access to wholesome food. Apart from harming crops and limiting access to food, climate change-related droughts and floods have harmed India’s food security. A food and nutrition crisis is caused by a lack of nutritional knowledge and dietary diversity.

1. Large and with a complicated socioeconomic environment is India. There are still parts of the population who lack access to food, despite the fact that the nation has made great strides in strengthening its food security situation throughout time.
2. Poverty is one of the key causes of this. India has a sizable number of people who are food insecure, and many of them have difficulty making ends meet. In addition, there are additional aspects like underemployment, inflation, and unemployment that might make the issue worse.
3. India’s agriculture sector is another factor contributing to the country’s food insecurity. Although India has a predominantly agricultural economy, many farmers still struggle to make a livelihood. Food shortages may result from this, especially in rural places with limited access to markets and other resources.

States Most Food Insecure

Although being one of the world’s largest food producers, India nevertheless has significant difficulties in ensuring the food security of its population. It is becoming important in Indian states, particularly in the towns and villages with significant levels of poverty and socioeconomic disparity.

The names of the Indian states with the greatest rates of food insecurity are listed according to the Global Hunger Index score for 2020:

1. Jharkhand
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Bihar
4. Uttar Pradesh
5. Odisha 

Food insecurity in these states may be caused by a number of causes, including poverty, a lack of sanitary facilities and drinking water, and decreasing agricultural output.

Food Insecurity in Casual Laborers

As we know that casual laborers are hired per hour basis or per-day basis and this makes their employment unsteady and thus leads to low wages increasing the risk of high food insecurity. Casual laborers mostly work in areas such as Industries like construction, farming, and hospitality, where work is not permanent but rather seasonal or subject to ups and downs in demand. Due to this, they face a lot of struggle while finding work during slow periods and hence can’t earn enough to even cover their basic needs even when they are employed.

Moreover, Casual laborers mostly do not have access to benefits such as health insurance or paid time off, which makes it very difficult for them to cope with high inflation or emergencies.

Food insecurity among SC/ST people

For a variety of reasons, those who fall under the ST or SC group may be food insecure. Social discrimination, a lack of access to land, and limited economic opportunities are problems. Individuals from ST/SC can have obstacles in accessing healthcare and education, which could make them more vulnerable to food insecurity.

Those from ST/SC who experience food insecurity must be addressed using a diverse strategy. This might entail boosting agricultural output and rural infrastructure, expanding access to land and income sources, and offering services for healthcare and education. ST/SC households may also get food aid from government programs like the Public Distribution System and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) (PDS).

Low Income and Chronic Hunger

Low income and chronic hunger are caused by a variety of circumstances. These can be:

1. Employment prospects
2. Weak social safety nets
3. Skyrocketing food costs
4. Poor access to healthcare and education.

Also, the population in low-income regions may be more prone to reside in “food deserts,” which are regions with little access to wholesome food alternatives.

A multifaceted strategy is required to combat low-income and chronic hunger. Expanding the availability of employment possibilities and income-generating opportunities, bolstering social safety nets, and offering food assistance programs like food banks and school meal programs are a few examples of what this may include. Along with these treatments, it’s critical to address the structural underpinnings of inequality and poverty.

PDS System and Corruption

An important government-run food aid program in India is called the Public Distribution System (PDS), which offers subsidized food grains to families living in poverty. Unfortunately, corruption has been a significant problem in the PDS system’s execution, leading to leaks and the theft of subsidized food grains.

Corruption in the PDS system has several negative consequences, including:

1. Food not being accessible to those who need it most
2. Inflation in food prices
3. Government resources getting wasted

Conclusion

Uncertainty over one’s ability to eat is unquestionably a serious problem that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Lack of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food has a serious detrimental impact on people, their families, and entire communities. This condition is known as food insecurity.

The causes of food insecurity are multifaceted and involve:
1. Poverty
2. Inequality
3. Conflict
4. Climate change

In order to combat the shortage of food for needy people, a comprehensive strategy is needed that targets the root causes of inequality and poverty and provides people and communities with the tools and resources they need to secure food and stable livelihoods.

Related Links

1. Importance of National Nutrition Mission
2. Food security in India
3. Which states are more food insecure in India?

FAQs on People in India Still Without Food

Q 1. State the reason why many Indians are still without Food.

Answer-

There are plenty of reasons many people in India still suffer from Hunger and Malnutrition. The various reasons are listed below:

1. Poverty
2. Lack of access to resources
3. Unemployment
4. Natural Disasters
5. Other factors impact their ability to obtain food.

Q 2. Are there any steps being taken by the government to solve this issue?

Answer-

Many NGOs( Non-governmental organizations ) and the Indian government are continuously working to solve this issue of food security in India. The major steps involve providing food assistance, making sure that food security programs are being implemented successfully, generating employment opportunities, and improving access to resources such as clean water and healthcare facilities.