TOPIC INFO (UGC NET)
TOPIC INFO – UGC NET (Geography)
SUB-TOPIC INFO – Geography of India (UNIT 10)
CONTENT TYPE – Detailed Notes
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1. Introduction
2. National Food Policy
2.1. Increasing Food Grains Production
2.2. Procurement of Food Grains
2.3. Storage of Foodgrains
2.4. Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
2.5. Export and Import of Food Grains
3. Right to Food Security
3.1. National Food Security Act, 2013
4. Critical Observations of NFSA
5. Conclusion
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Food Security and Right to Food
UGC NET GEOGRAPHY
Geography of India (UNIT 10)
Introduction
India’s food policy evolved after the Bengal Famine of 1943 that caused massive mortality due partly to lack of foodgrain supplies and purchasing power.
A Foodgrains Policy Committee under Sir George Theodore recommended rationing to prevent such crises in future.
Since Independence, the government has focused on increasing foodgrain production by offering Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers and ensuring supply to consumers through organised mechanisms.
The Public Distribution System (PDS) was developed to distribute foodgrains at subsidised rates to protect consumers, especially weaker and vulnerable sections.
India now distributes foodgrains free or at subsidised rates to about 80 crore people under schemes linked to the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The NFSA entitles priority households to 5 kg per person per month and Antyodaya households to higher allocation at highly subsidised prices.
India’s foodgrain production has reached record levels, with about 357 million tonnes produced in 2024-25, driven by MSP incentives, irrigation and improved seeds.
Government targets for 2025-26 foodgrain production remain high (around 362–363 million tonnes planned).
With population growth and rising demand, projections suggest food demand may reach roughly 400 million tonnes by 2050, requiring continued policy focus.
Despite high production, India still faces nutrition challenges; in the 2025 Global Hunger Index India was ranked around 102nd with a serious hunger score, reflecting undernourishment and child malnutrition concerns.
Attainment of food security remains a major challenge involving not just production but accessibility, affordability and improved nutritional outcomes.