Question

What are the government measures/schemes introduced in India to ensure food security?

Answer 1

1. Minimum Support Price (MSP): The government announces MSP for major crops to ensure farmers get a remunerative price, protecting them from price fluctuations.
2. Buffer Stock and Food Corporation of India (FCI): The government builds buffer stocks by procuring foodgrains at MSP. FCI manages procurement, storage, and distribution to maintain food availability and price stability.
3. Public Distribution System (PDS): Foodgrains are distributed through ration shops to eligible poor sections at subsidized rates, ensuring access to affordable food.
4. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Launched to enhance irrigation coverage with the motto ‘Har Khet ko Pani’ (water to every field), improving farm productivity.
5. Promotion of High Yielding Variety (HYV): seeds, fertilizers, and modern technology in agriculture to increase production.
6. Land reforms and cooperative farming to improve agricultural productivity.
7. Expansion of rural credit facilities to aid farmers in adoption of better inputs.