News: Gujarat HC questioned the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation about restricting the sale of non-vegetarian food in the city. What is the issue all about? Read here: Targeting food: Gujarat civic bodies’ unjustifiable action on vendors selling non-veg fare must be rolled back What do the stats show about the dietary habits of Gujarat state? According to the… Continue reading Gujarat HC’s strictures against the campaign to stop sale of non-vegetarian food is a much-needed pushback
Tag: food security
Hunger isn’t about biology. It’s about politics
News: In the absence of an organized food security net and political commitment, India is being crippled by the challenge of pervasive hunger and malnourishment James Vernon in his book Hunger: A modern history wrote that hunger is a timeless and inescapable biological condition. While he was right, the real problem was captured by Karl… Continue reading Hunger isn’t about biology. It’s about politics
Why Fortified food is no magic bullet
Synopsis: Fortification of food is not a panacea to India’s problem of malnutrition. Fundamental causes of inadequate dietary intake need to be addressed instead. Background – Read this first: Food Fortification in India Note: Please proceed further only after going through the above article. The points already covered in the above article have not been… Continue reading Why Fortified food is no magic bullet
Food Systems Summit: ‘Supports to farmers keeping the world away from SDGs and the Paris Agreement’
What is the news? On September 14, three UN agencies — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) — released A multi-billion-dollar opportunity: Repurposing agricultural support to transform food systems report. About the report The report analysed countries’ support to farmers and the consequent adverse impacts on food prices,… Continue reading Food Systems Summit: ‘Supports to farmers keeping the world away from SDGs and the Paris Agreement’
Biofortified food can lead India from food security to nutrition security
Source: Indian Express Relevance: Tackling malnutrition Synopsis: Using science to address the complex challenge of malnutrition, particularly for low-income and vulnerable sections of the society, can be a good intervention. Bio-fortification of food can come handy to address the issue of malnutrition in India along with other measures. Context The Prime Minister recently announced that,… Continue reading Biofortified food can lead India from food security to nutrition security
Don’t chase the mirage of iron-fortified rice
Source: Indian Express Relevance: about rice fortification programme Synopsis: Rice fortification programme might not be the answer to India’s food security and nutritional challenges. A push to a balanced and diverse diet is a far more superior strategy. Issues with the recently announced mandatory rice fortification programme. Background Read these articles in sequence PM announces… Continue reading Don’t chase the mirage of iron-fortified rice
Adding micronutrients to rice: how, why, and how much (On fortification)
Source: Indian Express What is the news? In his Independence Day speech, Indian PM announced the fortification of rice distributed under various government schemes, including the public distribution system (PDS) and midday meals in schools, by 2024. Background Read here: PM announces rice fortification plan to tackle malnutrition Must Read: Food Fortification of India – Explained… Continue reading Adding micronutrients to rice: how, why, and how much (On fortification)
India’s godowns are overflowing. So why are people starving?
Source: Indian Express, Down to Earth Relevance: Understand the challenges of food security in times of COVID Synopsis Undernourishment has been a global challenge over the last few decades. This has been further highlighted by the state of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report released by the UN. Findings of the SOFI… Continue reading India’s godowns are overflowing. So why are people starving?
What India@75 needs: Education and skills, rather than freebies
Source: The Indian Express Relevance: This article explains the India’s improvements in poverty reduction, literacy and food security since independence and suggestions to improve further. Synopsis: India’s improvement in poverty reduction, literacy and food security since independence is impressive but a lot more needs to be done. About India’s Independence: India started its journey as… Continue reading What India@75 needs: Education and skills, rather than freebies
Food security in India and its challenges- Explained, pointwise
Introduction With a reduction in COVID-19 infections as the second wave weakens in India, it is important to focus on the pandemic’s disruptive impact on the food security and livelihoods of the poor and marginalized. There was a ‘dramatic worsening’ of world hunger in 2020, much of it likely related to the fallout of COVID-19.… Continue reading Food security in India and its challenges- Explained, pointwise
State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 report
Source: Down to Earth What is the news? Key findings of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 report The FAO report has quoted a study done in 63 low- and middle-income countries covering a population of 3.5 billion on changes in the income of people. It… Continue reading State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 report
Free foodgrain supply until Nov to cost over ₹67,200 cr
What is the News? Cabinet has approved key decisions related to food grains, merger of CWC and CRWC and deal with Caribbean Island Nations on Tax matters. About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKY) It was announced as part of the relief package during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: To ensure sufficient food for the… Continue reading Free foodgrain supply until Nov to cost over ₹67,200 cr
Govt to launch ‘One Nation One Ration Card’
The central government is working on a plan to launch a One Nation One Ration Card scheme for beneficiaries especially migrant workers to access the Public Distribution System(PDS) from any PDS shop across the country. The aim of the scheme is to provide freedom to beneficiaries as they will not be tied to one PDS… Continue reading Govt to launch ‘One Nation One Ration Card’
