Question 18GS2GS2

India faces a paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit. Analyse the structural reasons behind this paradox and suggest reform strategies. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction

India has production capacity of 415 mmn tonnes of food grains, still it ranked lowes in Global Hunger Index, 2025 in 'serious catepoy'.

23 words

Main Body

India has production capacity of 415 mmn tonnes of food grains, still it ranked lowes in Global Hunger Index, 2025 in 'serious catepoy'.

Paradox of food surplus and nutritional deficit with diagram showing:

1Food getting rot in FCI with Overcapacity

2Farmers spillin milk on roads in Maharashtra

3Starvation deaths in Jharkhand

4High prevalence of stunting (35%) and anaemia (54% among women)

Structural reasons behind this paradox:

1Cereal centric diet with less focus on micronutrients, proteins etc.

2Sedentary lifestyle leading to uptake of processed food → Increase in Non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes etc)

3Distribution and procurement challenge - transfer of food grains from surplus states to deficit states

4Lack of efficient food processing industry to reduce less of post harvest losses

5a) b) Fruits and vegetables are lost post-harvest.

5Biological challenges - Non-absorption of micronutrients due to poor sanitation habits

6Budget squeeze - due to government withdwal from social security schemes

Measures needed diagram showing:

1Improvement in crop diversification towards protein rich pulses, vitamin rich horticulture

2Investment in R&D → food fortification: golden rice (vitamin A)

3Development of cold chain storage by PPP structure

4More focus on food processing - PM Sampada Scheme

5Eat Right India and Fit India campaign ⊕ Oil Boards in schools - right steps

This 'Asian Enigma' of rising economic growth but calorie deficit among people can be resolved via development of cold chain storage, behavioural nudge of people & effective food fortification.

252 words4 paragraphs

Conclusion

This 'Asian Enigma' of rising economic growth but calorie deficit among people can be resolved via development of cold chain storage, behavioural nudge of people & effective food fortification.

29 words

Diagram

Measures needed - showing multiple reform strategies: (1) Improvement in crop diversification towards protein rich pulses and vitamin rich horticulture, (2) Investment in R&D for food fortification including golden rice, (3) Development of cold chain storage by PPP structure, (4) More focus on food processing via PM Sampada Scheme, (5) Eat Right India and Fit India campaign with oil boards in schools

Strong opening with statistical evidence
Good use of diagram to illustrate paradox
Specific examples from different regions
Comprehensive listing of structural reasons
Connects lifestyle patterns to health outcomes
Addresses distribution challenges
Strong concluding argument with 'Asian Enigma' framing
Comprehensive reform strategies presented
Links solutions to specific schemes and initiatives

Open original scan

Page 47

Topper

Ananya Rana

AIR 602025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger

Paradox of Poverty

Food surplus and nutritional deficit paradox

Writing Stats

304

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone