INSIGHT UPSC QUIZ

GS Economy Miscellaneous
Q.

Food security is the measure of an individual's ability to access food that is nutritious and sufficient in quantity. Which of the following measures have been initiated by government of India to ensure food security to people?

1. 

Explanation:

ANSWER: (D)

  • Food security is ensured in India with a carefully designed food security system by the government. This system has two components: (a) buffer stock, and (b) public distribution system. 

Buffer stock

  • Buffer Stock is the stock of food grains, namely wheat and rice, procured by the government through the Food Corporation of India (FCI)
  • The FCI purchases wheat and rice from the farmers in states where there is surplus production. 
  • The farmers are paid a pre- announced price for their crops. This price is called Minimum Support Price (MSP)
  • The MSP is declared by the government every year before the sowing season to provide incentives to farmers for raising the production of these crops. 

Why buffer stock is created by the government?

  • This is done to distribute food grains in the deficit areas and among the poorer strata of the society at a price lower than the market price also known as Issue Price.
  • This also helps resolve the problem of shortage of food during adverse weather conditions or during the periods of calamity. 

Public Distribution System

  • The food procured by the FCI is distributed through government regulated ration shops among the poorer section of the society. This is called the Public Distribution System (PDS). 
  • Ration shops also, known as Fair Price Shops, keep stock of food grains, sugar, and kerosene for cooking. These items are sold to people at a price lower than the market price. 

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