Despite producing enough food grains to feed all 1.38 billion people, India continues to rank low on the Global Hunger Index. Analyze critically.
Model Answer Introduction The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranks India 107th out of 121 countries, revealing a critical hunger crisis. With the world’s highest child wasting rate at 19.3%, the issue extends beyond mere food scarcity. It is a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, health and sanitaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The 2022 Global Hunger Index ranks India 107th out of 121 countries, revealing a critical hunger crisis. With the world’s highest child wasting rate at 19.3%, the issue extends beyond mere food scarcity. It is a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, health and sanitation issues, and human development policies. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is vital to holistically address India’s hunger challenge.
Impact of Ineffective Human Development Policies
1. Education
Limited access to quality education severely impacts individuals’ ability to make informed choices about nutrition and health. Poor implementation of The Right to Education Act has resulted in low literacy rates, which correlates with limited knowledge of health and nutrition. According to the National Sample Survey, illiteracy contributes significantly to cycles of hunger and malnutrition .
2. Health
Weak healthcare infrastructure exacerbates hunger and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. Despite initiatives like the National Health Mission, shortages of healthcare professionals and restricted access to primary healthcare in rural areas contribute to high maternal and child mortality rates. The Registrar General of India reports that maternal mortality remains a pressing issue, largely tied to inadequate healthcare services.
3. Social Protection
Insufficient social protection programs hinder support for vulnerable populations, pushing them deeper into poverty. For instance, the Public Distribution System (PDS), intended to provide subsidized food, suffers from leakages and corruption, limiting its efficacy in reducing hunger. A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that inefficiencies in PDS undermine food security efforts.
Interconnectedness of Food Availability and Human Development Policies
While policies like the National Food Security Act aim to provide subsidized food, their effectiveness hinges on coordination with human development policies. Additionally, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has improved rural connectivity, enhancing access to markets, healthcare, and education, thus contributing to overall well-being.
Conclusion
Focusing solely on food availability as the main cause of hunger overshadows the critical role of ineffective human development policies. A comprehensive approach that integrates food security with education, health, social protection, and infrastructure development is essential to effectively tackle hunger and malnutrition in India.
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In India, food-grain production increased from 217 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 275.11 million tonnes in 2016-17. The government proudly concluded that the country was not only self-sufficient but had enough to export. Despite tonnes of food grains being stored in the government godowns across the cRead more
In India, food-grain production increased from 217 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 275.11 million tonnes in 2016-17. The government proudly concluded that the country was not only self-sufficient but had enough to export. Despite tonnes of food grains being stored in the government godowns across the country, India ranks 102 out of 117 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2019. It is much below to its South Asian neighbours such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Hunger In India
Causes Of Hunger Despite Surplus Food Grains Production
Achievements Of India
Though prima facie data and statistics present a stark picture, there are hundreds of government initiatives and schemes which significantly improved the situation of India since independence.
Measures For Further Improvements
Goal 2 of the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda seeks to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition and double agricultural productivity in the next 15 years. Ensuring this sustainable access to nutritious food universally will require sustainable food production as well as efficient government policies.
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