• UGI USER
  • Oct 25, 2023
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Climate Change and Food Security

Q. India’s food security is being choked by climate change, in light of this statement how government must address this issue and also examine the existing food security measures.

Introduction

  • Mention any recent report on climate change impact on India’s food security
  • The climate change events like increased temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns

Body

  • Mention the Impact of Climate Change on Food Security
  • Mention Government’s Existing Food Security Measures
  • Measures government should take to Address Climate Change Impacts on Food Security

Conclusion

  • Mention comprehensive approach is necessary to deal climate change impact on food security.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report states that climate change could increase the number of malnourished children in India by 7 million by 2030. Erratic weather patterns, increased temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity.

Impact of Climate Change on Food Security

  • Crop Yield Variability: Climate change leads to unpredictable weather conditions, affecting crop yields and crop failure rates.
  • Water Scarcity: Changing rainfall patterns and increased evaporation result in water scarcity, especially for irrigation, which is crucial for agriculture.
  • Pest and Disease Outbreaks: Warmer temperatures create favorable conditions for pests and diseases, threatening crop health.

Government’s Existing Food Security Measures

  • National Food Security Act (NFSA): Subsidized food grains for over 800 million people via the public distribution system.
  • Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS): Free cooked meals for 120 million children in government schools.
  • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Nutrition, immunization, and health education for pregnant women, mothers, and young children.
  • Annapurna Scheme: 10 kg of free monthly food grains for destitute senior citizens.
  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Extra food grains for NFSA beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Measures to Address Climate Change Impacts on Food Security

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote practices like drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation methods to enhance agricultural resilience.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Strengthen early warning systems and community resilience to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.
  • Investment in Research: Allocate resources for research on climate-adapted crops and sustainable farming techniques.
  • Sustainable Water Management: Implement water conservation measures and equitable distribution to combat drought and water scarcity.
  • Empowering Communities: Educate and support farmers in adopting climate-smart practices and technologies.
  • Strengthening Supply Chains: Enhance food storage, transportation, and distribution infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure food access for vulnerable populations.

Climate change poses a significant threat to India’s food security. The government’s response should combine climate adaptation strategies with the strengthening of existing food security measures. A comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure that climate change does not exacerbate food insecurity among India’s vulnerable populations.