Food Security and Nutritional scenario of India- an overview

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to assess the availability of food to poor and nutritional situation of national households. The growth of production of food grains is 2.12 per cent in 2000-01 to 2010-11, where as in 1980s, 2.85 per cent and overall growth in area of food grains has increased from 0.23 per cent in 1980s to 0.37 per cent in 2000-01 to 2010-11. But, subsequent declines can be observed in area and production of coarse cereals, pulses and total fibres. In addition, total investment on agriculture and allied Sectors has increased from Rs.90710 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.133377 crore in 2009-10. In the contest of per capita net availability of food grains have been increased by around10 per cent over the last 56 years. And India’s hunger index declines from 24.1 to 23.7 registering a decline of just 1.7% in the period of 2001 to 2011 and all India average for malnourished children is 47% in 2005-06. However, essential efforts to cope a food production with the population growth and remained self sufficient in food, establishment of adequate buffer stocks has ensured availability of food stuffs within affordable cost even during the times of drought and sustainable intensification of agricultural production.