Question Q.16GS2GS2
Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, food insecurity and malnutrition remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.
Main Body
India ranked 111th in Global Hunger Index 2023 despite critical gaps in India's hunger solutions. Economic growth and self-sufficiency connected as: 1) 4th largest world economy as of 2025. 2) 4-2% avg. annual growth rate in past 5 years. 3) 240 MMT of food grain production per year (2023). But still persisting concern upon these: Hunger production: Food insecurity: - Production of Public - 22.4 crore undernourished in India - 32% underweight (NFHS-5) [HAFID 2023] - 17% wasting state
Factors responsible for paradox: A Governance issues 1) Food Budget squeeze: ODPE of 46-47% (UMA 2017)squeezed food budget. 2) Inflation: food inflation at 44% in July 2024. 3) Inefficiencies in PDS: - 112 Mn cycling (Pant-Adhok Gupta) - Black Marketing (Chanda Kumar Committee) 4) Delayed implementation of One Nation, One Ration Card in all states (WB govt.). B Agricultural issues 1) Lack of storage capability: Only 115 MMT damage for 240 MMT production. 2) APMC inefficiencies: e.g., of intermediaries.
3Lack of climate-suited crops (e.g., Budgemans in Raj). Steps needed 1) Peri-Adhok Gupta: → Polyhouse cultivation → Contract farming 2) Creation of storage capacity (e.g., To MMT collection via PACE project of Ministry of Cooperation). 3) Local level initiatives (e.g., Petti Layka Abhiyaan of JH). 4) Extension of MDM to secondary school students (PEC on labor and Politics 2023). 5) Efficient quality distribution (e.g., Annapurna Gudin ATM by DD Gupta). Framework 1) Digital tools for better accuracy (e.g., Bhashini AI). 2) Training and sensitization of enumerators. 3) All of Govt. approach + All of Society approaching: keeping in CSDs, NGOs etc. Better data enumeration can lead to accurate identification for needs of a rising India.
276 words1 paragraphs
Conclusion
Better data enumeration can lead to accurate identification for needs of a rising India.
14 words
Topper
MADHVENDRA PRATAP SINGH
AIR 1532025
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger
Poverty and Malnutrition
Paradox of Poverty
Writing Stats
290
Total words
1
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone