Food Security Under PM Narendra Modi
World Food Day (WFD), celebrated every year on the 16th of October, serves as a poignant reminder of the global imperative – the fundamental need for consistent access to nourishing food, a need which millions across the world still struggle to fulfil due to limited resources. Food security stands as a pivotal barometer of a nation's prosperity and well-being. In a notable statement issued in June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting to engage in an inclusive and substantive dialogue, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative measures to fortify global food security.
It is widely acknowledged on the global stage that the government, led by the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accorded utmost importance to food security within its policy framework. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, India has witnessed the implementation of several impactful food security schemes, all aimed at addressing the critical issues of nutrition and sustenance for vulnerable segments of the population. Recently the cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted approval for a groundbreaking integrated food security initiative aimed at providing free foodgrains to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries. This innovative program, named Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY), was officially launched on January 1, 2023. The implementation of this scheme has already commenced, reaching out to over 80 crore individuals who belong to the impoverished and the most marginalized sections of society.
One of the standout initiatives is the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan), a testament to the government's commitment to reducing malnutrition and enhancing the nutritional well-being of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. POSHAN Abhiyaan's holistic approach, combining improved nutrition services delivery with community-driven behaviour change initiatives, has yielded notable results. For instance, it has made significant strides in reducing stunting rates in states like Chhattisgarh, showcasing its efficacy in combating malnutrition. The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration swiftly and compassionately acted to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations in India. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana or the Prime Minister's Poor Welfare Grain Scheme, a lifeline was extended to those in need. Each beneficiary received an additional 5 kilograms of wheat or rice, while every household was provided with 1 kilogram of pulses at no cost for three months. This timely and essential relief measure ensured that individuals and families had access to critical food supplies during the crisis. The scheme continues to run till date as it has been extended till December underscoring its unwavering commitment to the welfare of its citizens. This initiative, executed under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme, was instrumental in providing crucial sustenance to those most affected by the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. Moreover, the government demonstrated empathy and responsiveness by introducing a separate allocation of grains and pulses for migrant workers, who faced distinct challenges during these trying times.
Migrant workers constitute a large number in the Indian population, the economic survey says that there are about 60 million inter-state migrants. Most of these workers work in informal sectors and their voices were unheard during the previous governments. However, during the period of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi which follows the principle of “sabka saath, sabka vishwas” and “antyodaya” every section has the basic dignity of living. So, working towards their food security, the central government launched the “One Nation One Ration Card” scheme. This initiative facilitates beneficiaries, with a special focus on migrant labourers and marginalized communities, in convenient access to essential food grains, irrespective of their geographical location. Introduced initially in four states in 2019, the 'One Nation One Ration Card' (ONORC) system has achieved remarkable success, extending its reach to cover all 36 states and Union Territories. As of now, it has enabled more than 105 crore inter and intra-state transactions, ensuring the seamless portability of ration cards nationwide.
The Indian government has been steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens, particularly those at the lower rungs of society. Over the past nine years, a substantial food subsidy totalling Rs. 4.04 lakh crore has been disbursed to states employing the Decentralized Procurement (DCP) method, with an additional Rs. 14.48 lakh crore allocated to the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI is duly compensated by the Central Government to bridge the cost differential between food grains' actual expenses and their subsidized prices as provided to the states. States that opt for the DCP approach receive direct subsidies from the Central Government based on their procurement and distribution of food grains. Furthermore, the Government of India has taken a momentous step by offering free-of-cost foodgrains to approximately 80 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) for a duration of one year, starting from January 1, 2023, and continuing until December 31, 2023.
The Indian government remains resolutely committed to ensuring food security for every citizen in the nation. This commitment is substantiated by the remarkable achievement of record-breaking foodgrain production, reaching an impressive 314.51 million tonnes in 2021-22. In the face of adversity and challenges, such as the pandemic, India's food security initiatives have not only sustained the nation but have also thrived, with record food grain production.
These achievements reflect the government's unwavering dedication to the well-being and food security of its citizens, ensuring that no one goes hungry and that every person in the country has access to nutritious food. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has brought food security to the forefront of India's policy framework, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions across the nation.
Dr. Anil Agrawal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
