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CBSE Class 9th Economy Passage Based Question Chapter 4 Food Security in India

Passage 1

In the 1970s, food security was understood as the “availability at all times of adequate supply of basic foodstuffs” (UN, 1975). Amartya Sen added a new dimension to food security and emphasised the “access” to food through what he called ‘entitlements’ — a combination of what one can produce, exchange in the market along with state or other socially provided supplies. Accordingly, there has been a substantial shift in the understanding of food security. The 1995 World Food Summit declared, “Food security at the individual, household, regional, national and global levels exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (FAO, 1996, p.3). The declaration further recognizes that “poverty eradication is essential to improve access to food”.

Questions / Answer:

Question 1: What was the traditional understanding of food security in the 1970s?

Answer: In the 1970s, food security was primarily understood as the “availability at all times of adequate supply of basic foodstuffs” (UN, 1975).

Question 2: What new dimension did Amartya Sen add to the concept of food security?

Answer: Amartya Sen emphasized the importance of “access” to food through “entitlements,” which include what one can produce, exchange in the market, and receive from state or other socially provided sources.

Question 3: How is food security defined according to the 1995 World Food Summit?

Answer: According to the 1995 World Food Summit, food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life.

Question 4: What additional factor does the declaration recognize as essential for improving access to food?

Answer: The declaration acknowledges that poverty eradication is crucial for improving access to food.

Question 5: What are the four main dimensions of food security mentioned in the passage?

Answer: The four main dimensions of food security are:

Physical availability of food: Addressing the “supply side” by considering food production, stock levels, and net trade.

Economic and physical access to food: Ensuring that food reaches every citizen and is affordable.

Food utilization: Focusing on nutrient intake, care and feeding practices, diet diversity, and intra-household food distribution.

Stability of the other three dimensions over time: Recognizing that periodic challenges (e.g., adverse weather, economic factors) can impact food security status.

Passage 2

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

AAY was launched in December 2000. Under this scheme one crore of the poorest among the BPL families covered under the targeted public distribution system were identified. Poor families were identified by the respective state rural development departments through a Below Poverty Line (BPL) survey. Twenty-five kilograms of foodgrains were made available to each eligible family at a highly subsidized rate of ` 2 per kg for wheat and ` 3 per kg for rice. This quantity has been enhanced from 25 to 35 kg with effect from April 2002. The scheme has been further expanded twice by additional 50 lakh BPL families in June 2003 and in August 2004. With this increase, 2 crore families have been covered under the AAY.

Questions / Answer:

Question 1: When was the AAY scheme launched, and what is its main objective?

Answer: The AAY scheme was launched in December 2000. Its primary objective is to ensure food security and create a hunger-free India by providing highly subsidized food grains to the poorest of the poor 12.

Question 2: How were poor families identified for the AAY scheme?

Answer: Poor families were identified through a Below Poverty Line (BPL) survey conducted by the respective state rural development departments. These families were then covered under the targeted public distribution system .

Question 3: What quantities of foodgrains are provided to eligible families under the AAY scheme, and at what subsidized rates?

Answer: Eligible families receive 35 kilograms of rice every month. The subsidized rates are ₹2 per kg for wheat and ₹3 per kg for rice .

Question 4: How has the quantity of foodgrains changed over time under the AAY scheme?

Answer: Initially, 25 kilograms of foodgrains were provided, but this quantity was enhanced to 35 kilograms from April 2002. Additionally, the scheme was expanded twice to include an additional 50 lakh BPL families in June 2003 and August 2004, covering a total of 2 crore families .

Question 5: Who are the main intended beneficiaries of the AAY scheme?

Answer: The AAY scheme targets individuals who are terminally ill, widows, disabled, aged 60 years or more, single women, single men without family support, or landless laborers into agriculture. It also includes marginal farmers and those engaged in arts .

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