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)
Main Body
India is the largest producer of cereals which is the staple diet of India. However the rank of India in Global Hunger Index is at 111 out of 129 countries.
Reasons to the paradox:
1Excess focus in caloric hunger over nutritional security.
2PDS a NFSA pressure on meeting just the caloric hunger.
3Hidden hunger - high deficiency of micronutrients like vitamin/minerals (EF) Prevalence of Kwashiorkar.
4Protein deficiency - especially chronic among children of growing age. (EF) Lack of inadequate Protein mid-day meal scheme.
5Poor imperus given to biofortification of cereals - causing deficiency. (EF) Iron deficiency among women.
6Lack of awareness among public on nutritional information.
Measures to be taken by the:
1Reforming public distribution system by provisioning eggs and milk and provision at subsidised rates.
2Decentralised assessment of nutritary targets by use of primary health centers and ASHA workers.
3Compelling incorporation of eggs or panneer for protein deficiency in mid-day meal scheme.
4Right based approach by amending NFSA to include nutrition target.
5Increased impetus to biofortification of cereals. (EF) Golden Rice for Vitamin C.
6Mass media awareness campaign on the lines of 'anti-tobacco campaign' to increase awareness.
7Targeted schemes on macronutrient deficiency on the lines of financial incentive.
[Continuation of measures section - appears to be additional formatting/review notes]
223 words2 paragraphs
Conclusion
Hence addressing institutional deficit is necessity of 'Swarthy Bharat'.
9 words
Topper
ADITYA NARAYAN H
AIR 68
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger
Paradox of Poverty
Paradox of Poverty
Writing Stats
232
Total words
2
Paragraphs