India’s Role in Global Food Security: A Strategic Analysis for UPSC Aspirants

By Suryavanshi IAS

Why This Topic Matters for UPSC?

Food security and nutrition are critical themes in the UPSC syllabus, especially under:

• General Studies (GS) Paper-II (Governance, Welfare Schemes)

• GS Paper-III (Agriculture, Food Security, Economy)

• Essay & Ethics (Human Development, Inclusive Growth)

Recent UN reports highlight India’s progress in reducing undernourishment, making this a high-priority area for both Prelims and Mains.

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India’s Progress in Reducing Hunger: Key Highlights

1. Decline in Undernourishment

   • Global: 673 million undernourished in 2024 (down from 688 million in 2023).

   • India: Fell from 14.3% (2020-22) to 12% (2022-24)—30 million fewer hungry people.

   • Pre-pandemic levels: 7.3% (2018), still not fully recovered.

2. Role of Digital Governance & PDS Reforms

   • Aadhaar-linked targeting reduced leakage.

   • One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) helped migrants.

   • e-PoS (Electronic Point of Sale) ensured real-time tracking.

3. Nutrition-Focused Schemes

   • PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) now emphasizes dietary diversity.

   • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) targets maternal and child malnutrition.

4. Challenges Ahead

   • Affordability of healthy diets (60% Indians can’t afford one).

   • Post-harvest losses (13%) due to weak cold chains.

   • Rising obesity & micronutrient deficiencies alongside hunger.

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UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims Questions (2017-2024)

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Public Distribution System (PDS): (2023)

1. The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme allows beneficiaries to avail food grains from any Fair Price Shop in India.

2. Aadhaar linkage is mandatory for all PDS beneficiaries.

3. e-PoS devices are used to authenticate beneficiaries via biometrics.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Explanation:

• Statement 1 (Correct): ONORC enables portability.

• Statement 2 (Incorrect): Aadhaar is encouraged but not mandatory (Supreme Court ruling).

• Statement 3 (Correct): e-PoS uses biometric authentication.

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Q2. Which of the following are objectives of the ‘PM POSHAN’ scheme? (2022)

1. Providing free meals to schoolchildren.

2. Addressing micronutrient deficiencies through fortified food.

3. Promoting agricultural diversification by sourcing locally.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D
Explanation:

• PM POSHAN (earlier Mid-Day Meal Scheme) covers all three objectives, including dietary diversity.

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Mains Questions (GS Paper-II & III)

Q1. “India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) has undergone significant reforms in recent years. Discuss the role of digital technology in enhancing its efficiency.” (2021)

Approach:

• Aadhaar seeding → Reduced ghost beneficiaries.

• ONORC → Helped migrant laborers.

• e-PoS & real-time monitoring → Improved transparency.

Q2. “Despite progress in reducing hunger, malnutrition remains a challenge in India. Examine the reasons and suggest measures.” (2020)

Approach:

• Reasons: Poverty, lack of dietary diversity, post-harvest losses.

• Measures:

  • Expand nutri-gardens under MGNREGA.

  • Strengthen cold chain infrastructure.

  • Promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for nutrient-rich crops.

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Key Government Schemes for Food Security

Scheme	Key Feature	Relevance
National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013	Legal right to subsidized food grains	Covers 75% rural, 50% urban population
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)	Free 5 kg grains/person/month during COVID	Emergency food support
e-NAM (National Agricultural Market)	Online agri-trading platform	Reduces middlemen, improves farmer income

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Way Forward: Agri-Food System Reforms

1. Increase Pulses & Nutri-Cereals Production → MSP for millets (Shree Anna).

2. Expand Cold Storage & Food Processing → Reduce wastage.

3. Women SHGs & FPOs → Boost local food security.

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Conclusion

India’s success in reducing hunger showcases good governance, digital innovation, and policy persistence. However, the next challenge is nutrition security, requiring sustainable agriculture, better supply chains, and inclusive growth.

For UPSC aspirants, this topic is highly dynamic—link it with SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), climate resilience, and economic surveys.

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