Chapter 4: Food Security in India Long Questions | economics Class 9 CBSE

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Question 1

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Q1. What is food security? What are its main dimensions?

• Food security means ensuring availability, accessibility, and affordability of food to all people at all times.
• Availability refers to the presence of enough food produced domestically or through imports and stocks.
• Accessibility means food must be within the physical and economic reach of every individual.
• Affordability implies that people should have enough money to buy safe and nutritious food.
• Food security is achieved when all three dimensions are fulfilled simultaneously.
• It ensures protection against hunger and famine.
• It is essential for a healthy and productive population.

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Question 2

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Q2. Why is food security important for a country like India?

• India has a large population with significant income disparities.
• Poor households are most vulnerable to food insecurity.
• Natural disasters like drought, flood, or pandemics can disrupt food production and supply.
• Food insecurity leads to hunger, malnutrition, and in extreme cases, famine.
• Ensures stability during emergencies by preventing food shortages.
• Food security is essential for economic development and social stability.
• Helps reduce poverty and improve nutritional standards.
• Prevents deaths due to starvation and undernutrition.

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Question 3

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Q3. Describe the Bengal famine of 1943 and its impact.

• Bengal famine of 1943 was the worst famine in India’s modern history.
• Around 30 lakh people died due to starvation and disease.
• Affected mostly agricultural labourers, fishermen, and transport workers.
• Caused by food shortage, price rise, and lack of purchasing power.
• Rice production dropped from 93 lakh tonnes (1942) to 76 lakh tonnes (1943).
• Imports were inadequate to offset the shortage.
• Epidemics followed due to contaminated water and decaying food.
• Highlighted the need for a strong food security system in India.

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Question 4

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Q4. Who are the people most prone to food insecurity in India?

• Landless and marginal farmers in rural areas.
• Traditional artisans, beggars, and self-employed poor.
• Casual labourers in agriculture and construction.
• Urban poor engaged in ill-paid or seasonal jobs.
• SCs, STs, and some OBC groups with limited land and income.
• Pregnant women, children under 5, and nursing mothers.
• People affected by natural disasters and forced migration.
• Residents of backward and disaster-prone states like Bihar, UP, Odisha, Chhattisgarh.

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Question 5

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Q5. Differentiate between seasonal hunger and chronic hunger.

• Seasonal hunger occurs during lean periods in agricultural cycles.
• It is common during off-season when work is unavailable.
• Affects casual labourers and small farmers.
• Chronic hunger results from consistently low intake of food over time.
• It is caused by poverty, unemployment, and poor income.
• Seasonal hunger is temporary; chronic hunger is long-term.
• Both lead to malnutrition and low productivity.
• Hunger has declined but still exists in rural and urban India.

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Question 6

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Q6. How has India become self-sufficient in foodgrains?

• Green Revolution introduced HYV seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation.
• Boosted wheat and rice production, especially in Punjab and UP.
• In 2021–22, India produced 315 million tonnes of foodgrains.
• Government ensured fair prices and procurement policies.
• Food Corporation of India (FCI) maintains buffer stocks.
• Government interventions prevented famine post-independence.
• Crop diversity and rural development enhanced productivity.
• Self-sufficiency achieved through policies, technology, and support.

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Question 7

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Q7. What is Buffer Stock? How does it help in food security?

• Buffer stock refers to foodgrains (wheat and rice) stored by FCI.
• Created by procuring crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Used to distribute food in deficit areas or during disasters.
• Helps stabilize food prices by managing supply and demand.
• Ensures availability of food at subsidized rates (Issue Price).
• Acts as a safeguard during poor harvests or natural calamities.
• Supports food security through Public Distribution System (PDS).
• Prevents hunger and famine by maintaining reserves.

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Question 8

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Q8. What is the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

• PDS is a government scheme to distribute foodgrains via ration shops.
• Ration cards are issued to eligible households.
• PDS supplies rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized prices.
• Types of ration cards: Antyodaya, BPL, and APL.
• Operates through over 5.5 lakh Fair Price Shops nationwide.
• Ensures food availability for the poor and vulnerable.
• Aims to reduce poverty and hunger by providing food security.
• Evolved from universal to targeted distribution since 1997.

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Question 9

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Q9. Explain the significance of the National Food Security Act, 2013.

• NFSA aims to provide affordable food and nutritional security to citizens.
• Covers 75% of rural and 50% of urban population as eligible households.
• Ensures 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month at subsidized prices.
• Prices: ₹2/kg for wheat, ₹3/kg for rice, ₹1/kg for coarse grains.
• Legal entitlement to food for targeted households.
• Promotes dignity and reduces hunger-related distress.
• Builds accountability in government food distribution.
• Strengthens food rights under a law, not just policy.

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Question 10

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Q10. Describe any two government schemes for food security.

• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides cooked meals to school children (Class I–VIII) to improve attendance, nutrition, and retention.
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Started in 2000, provides 35 kg of foodgrains/month to the poorest BPL families at subsidized rates.
• Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Abhiyan: Combines nutrition and education goals, especially for children.
• Annapurna Scheme: Provides 10 kg of foodgrains free to indigent senior citizens.
• These schemes reduce hunger and enhance social welfare.
• Help in building human capital and breaking poverty cycles.
• Complement PDS and food subsidy programs.

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Chapter 4: Food Security in India | Long Questions

Q1. What is food security? What are its main dimensions?

Q2. Why is food security important for a country like India?

Q3. Describe the Bengal famine of 1943 and its impact.

Q4. Who are the people most prone to food insecurity in India?

Q5. Differentiate between seasonal hunger and chronic hunger.

Q6. How has India become self-sufficient in foodgrains?

Q7. What is Buffer Stock? How does it help in food security?

Q8. What is the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

Q9. Explain the significance of the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Q10. Describe any two government schemes for food security.

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