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 is 2nd largest agricultural producer in the world. Yet India ranks 105th/180 countries in Global Hunger Index 2024

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Main Body

India is 2nd largest agricultural producer in the world. Yet India ranks 105th/180 countries in Global Hunger Index 2024 # REASONS BEHIND THIS PARADOX Overflowing godowns yet high malnutrition under 5 including: Stunting (30.7%), Wasting (35.1%), Under weight (32.4%) (1) Food Security vs Nutritional Security are 2 different things. Food Security focuses on availability of food. Nutritional Security focuses on quality of food.

2Healthy diet inaccessible Per FAO → nearly 75.1% Indians cannot afford a healthy diet (3) Lack of diversity → Main focus on cereals. Main Reason → MSP skewed crop production Greater focus on Grains and Cereals while neglecting Pulses, Millets etc. (4) PAS Inefficiencies → Inclusion/Exclusion errors. → Lack of quality food gets rotten. (5) Buffer Mismanagement → FCI Per FAO → nearly 40.1% food gets wasted due to pest attack in godowns.

=> In this context, REFORM STRATEGIES ARE AS FOLLOWS :- 1) Diversify AgricultureMSP backingPulses, Millets, Oilseeds (As per SANJAY AGRAWAL COMMITTEE) 2) PDS ReformsRation shopsAyan Posham KendraiGreater Inclusion 3) Greater Awareness Per ICMR Guidelines about "healthy plate" 4) Economic Survey (2025)Recommended taxation over ultra processed foods. Greater Need to be have a shift from [Thalinomicscost of a healthy diet]

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Conclusion

Greater Need to be have a shift from [Thalinomics → cost of a healthy diet]

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Diagram

Diagram showing the paradox of food surplus with overflowing godowns versus high malnutrition rates under-5, including percentages for stunting (30.7%), wasting (35.1%), and underweight (32.4%)

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Page 47

Topper

Rasneet Kaur

AIR 51

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger

Poverty and Malnutrition

Food and Nutritional Security

Writing Stats

244

Total words

Paragraphs