UPSC Mains Daily Questions » Daily Answer Writing Challenge-14th September

Daily Answer Writing Challenge-14th September

Q1. There is a need to increase investment in agricultural research and development amid the  challenges of climate change and the expected increase in food demand in the future. Critically  analyse the global initiatives to address the issue and India’s position currently in food  security. (250 words, 15 Marks) 

Approach: 

  • Introduction: Provide a brief background on global food security. 
  • Body: 
    • Explains the need, and challenges to food security. 
    • Mention the various initiatives taken for addressing food security. 
    • Highlights India’s current position in this regard. 
  • Conclusion: Conclude suitably. 

Answer: 

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis already devastatingly impacting the world economy.  These impacts are also being felt by the food and agriculture sector. Agricultural research has  played a key role in shifting India from a net food importer to an exporter. It is the driving force  behind sustainability. By 2030, India’s population is projected to reach 150 crores, increasing the  need for food grain to 350 million tonnes.  

  • Need for food security:  
    • To ensure the welfare of the poorest section of society.  
    • To deal with an emergency or catastrophic situation such as earthquakes, floods, droughts, and famines. 
  • Global Challenges: 
    • Global food security has decreased for the second year in a row after seven years of progress  towards the Sustainable Development Goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030.
    • The present and emerging future challenges require that investments in food security are  sustained from innovation in climate-resilient crop yields to investing in programs to assist  the most vulnerable. 

Global Initiatives for Food Security: 

  • Achieving Food Security: The Meeting concluded with the adoption of a Final Declaration  that reaffirmed the commitment to achieving food security within the context of the three dimensions of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. 
  • Goal to Zero Hunger: The G20 Ministers reaffirmed their intention to achieve the goal of Zero Hunger, which is also threatened by the consequences of Covid-19, in order to ensure  sustainable and resilient food systems. 
  • No Unjustified Restrictive Measures: The G20 Ministers agreed not to enact any unjustified restrictive measures that could cause extreme volatility in international food prices, threatening  food security. 
  • Cooperation for Agriculture: The Ministers called for increased cooperation on food and  agriculture between G20 members and developing countries to share knowledge and assist in  developing internal production capacities. 

India’s Current Position: 

  • Foodgrains production of 316.06 million tonnes is estimated in 2021-22.
  • International Year of Millets: The United Nations (UN) has accepted India’s proposal and  declared 2023 as the international year of millets and urged the G-20 nations to support the  celebration of the millet year to promote nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
  • Traditional food items: The Government of India has emphasised reintroducing traditional food  items including millet, other nutritious cereals, fruits and vegetables, fish, dairy and organic products into the diet of the people. 
  • India has reaffirmed their intention to reach the goal of Zero Hunger, which is also threatened  by the consequences of Covid-19. 
  • Biofortified crops: Biofortified varieties, which are the source of a staple diet rich in micronutrients, are being promoted to remove malnutrition.  
  • India held the 71st position with an overall score of 57.2 points on the GFS Index 2021 of 113  countries.  
    • The report is released by London-based Economist impact and is sponsored by Corteva  Agriscience. 

Additional Information: 

Steps Taken by India to Address Food Security Issues: 

  • Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, the government is providing income  support of Rs.6,000 per year to small farmers. 
  • The ‘Per Drop- More Crop’ scheme for irrigation and ‘Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana‘ for  organic farming is being successfully implemented. 
  • Implemented the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to provide insurance cover for the  farmers. 
  • Oilseeds Technology Mission doubled the production of oilseeds in 10 years.
  • India has made great progress in pulses production in recent times due to the introduction  of new varieties in the seed system. 
  • Developed and released 17 varieties of different crops which are resistant to biotic and  abiotic stresses. 
  • A National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture has been launched which promotes an  integrated farming systems approach in agriculture.