Food Security in India: Evolution, Efforts and Problems

D. Padma Kumar Pillay
Colonel Dr. Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay (Retd.) has seen action in several disturbed areas of the country. He earned a Shaurya Chakra for gallantry beyond the call of duty in… Continue reading Food Security in India: Evolution, Efforts and Problems read more
T.K. Manoj Kumar
T.K. Manoj Kumar IAS, is Additional Secretary, Warehousing Development & Regulatory Authority, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. read more
Volume:42
Issue:6
Articles

This article examines India’s efforts to achieve food security. It traces the problem, from the inadequate production of food grains during colonial times, to the challenges of procurement, storage and distribution of cereals in post-independence India, after achieving self-sufficiency in food production. The establishment of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and its evolution into the Targeted PDS and the National Food Security Act are outlined. The role of the Food Corporation of India and the efforts to improve it, are discussed. A critical analysis of India’s food security system is made in light of present day problems.