Economic Reforms and Food Security

Although South Asian countries made impressive progress in food production during 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the dynamism in the agricultural sector has, however, lost recently. Productivity of major food grains has slowed down and even declined, for some crops and food production is failing to keep pace with population growth. Therefore, food security has remained a major concern in South Asian countries. The linkage between food production and the Himalayan mountains is poorly understood though the Himalayan mountains are the major source of dry season water in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan for irrigated rice and wheat, which are the staple food in South Asia. In view of that this article briefly examines the role of the Himalayan mountain systems in food production and agricultural sustainability in South Asian countries looking at the emerging challenges posed by the increasing water stress and climate change. The analysis suggests that a common challenge is being faced by all South Asian countries—for increased food production to meet the demand of burgeoning population, the growing stress of water as rice and wheat , the staple food in South Asia, require huge amounts of water. Moreover, the increased food production in South Asia has to come from the same amount of land, by increasing productivity through bringing additional land under irrigation, as the frontier for expansion of agricultural land has almost been exhausted. The availability of irrigation water is, therefore, critical for increased food production and agricultural sustainability in entire South Asia. Climate change introduces a new challenge to agriculture and food security in South Asia. Recent studies suggest that the impact of climate change on cereal production in South Asia could be negative and that may be as high as 18.2–22.1 per cent. Our analysis reveals that the Hindu Kush-Himalayan mountain systems play a significant role in agriculture and food security in South Asia through water supply, climate and wind regulation, groundwater recharge and in sustaining wetland ecosystems. It is the major source of dry season water for several large river systems, such as the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra from the snow and glacier melt of the Himalayas, which provide the main basis for surface and groundwater irrigation. These three rivers form the largest river basins (Indo–Ganga–Brahmaputra) which are the major source of rice and wheat in South Asia. Besides surface water, the contribution of mountain discharge to groundwater is also significant, which makes it an important resource for agriculture and food security in South Asia. In addition to providing surface and groundwater, the Himalayan mountain system provides huge inputs to agriculture through regulating micro-climates as well as wind and monsoon circulation, and by supporting river and wetland ecosystems in South Asia. It is estimated that the Ganges river ecosystem alone supports 25,000 or more species, ranging from micro-organisms to mammals, which support agricultural sustainability and provide livelihoods for millions of people. This article concludes that the long-term agricultural sustainability and food security of South Asia is heavily dependent on the water and other ecosystem services it receives from the Himalayan ecosystems. Attention therefore must be paid to conserve the Himalayan ecosystems in order to ensure sustained flow of ecosystem services required for agriculture, food production and overall well-being of Himalayan and downstream population. Options and opportunities for enhancing the agricultural sustainability and food security by sustainable utilization of Himalayan resources and ecosystem services are briefly analyzed and suggestions have been made.

Assessing the role of agriculture-forestry-livestock nexus in improving farmers' food security in South Asia: A systematic literature review

The study was conducted on ambient ozone (O3), the most phyto-toxic air pollutant, and its effects on the growth and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and peas (Pisum sativaum) grown in Northern Pakistan during the summer and winter of 2018. Okra was subjected to ambient O3 levels ranging from 43 to 63 ppb during the summer, with a mean O3 concentration of 55 ppb, while peas experienced lower winter concentrations of 15–25 ppb, with a mean O3 concentration of 19 ppb. The results indicated significant impacts on the growth and nutritional quality of crops, especially okra. Anti-ozonant ethylene diurea (EDU) was used for soil drenching to protect okra and green peas from O3 damage. Okra showed notable enhancements of 20%, 20%, 29%, and 13% in ash, protein, fiber, and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFE), respectively. Increase in plant height, leaf numbers, pod length, and dry weight was observed in EDU-treated okra plants. Conversely, peas exhibited less variation, although melioration was observed in plant height, pod numbers, length, and weight with EDU treatment. It was concluded that the concentration of ambient O3 in Peshawar is toxic enough to cause significant damage to crop growth and production. The stark difference in O3 impact during different seasons suggests that higher summer concentrations could severely compromise crop quality. This elicits significant concerns regarding food security in South Asia, especially for summer crops that can jeopardize future food security. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the effects of O3 on other regional crops to assess fully its implications for agricultural sustainability in the area.

Climate Change and Agriculture: Adaptation Strategies and Mitigation Opportunities for Food Security in South Asia and Latin America

This study focuses on the challenges of food security in South Asian region, particularly the challenges Bangladesh is facing, and how this region can possibly mitigate this challenge. Food security is a complex issue. The question of food security has a number of dimensions that go beyond production, availability and demand for food. It is generally understood as access to adequate food to all households at all times to enable them to lead a healthy and active life. The initial focus on food security as a global concern was on the volume and stability of food. Achieving food security in South Asia has become a major challenge. The food security scenario in South Asia has witnessed rapid progress over the last few decades, yet nutrition outcomes, especially those related to women and children, have failed to keep pace. In addition, the article has also identified a number of initiatives taken by the SAARC countries, and recommends some policies for the food security.

This study aims to highlight the status of agricultural R&D in South Asia and contends that creating an effective agricultural research and innovation systems is a vital element to ensure food security in this region. South Asia is home to around one-fourth of mankind and houses the largest proportion of undernourished people in the world. Despite a period of marked economic growth averaging 6% a year over the past two decades, it remains the world's second poorest region contributing a mere 2.2% in global annual GDP. Agriculture is the mainstay of South Asian economy employing around 60% of the total workforce and generating around 20% of total GDP. South Asia has the recognition of being the second most food-insecure region next only to sub-Saharan Africa. Though there is growing evidence that technological innovation has a key role to play in increasing agricultural production and strengthening food security, agricultural research and development (R&D) sector has failed to garner sufficient attention till now. This study also depicts the current situation of food security in South Asia and illustrates how agricultural education and innovation hold the master key to solve the food security issues for the world's most densely populated region.

The soils of South Asia provide food to almost 1.8 billion people but are prone to many sustainability issues. The ever-increasing population has put enormous pressure on the available natural resources (land/soil and water), which is threatening future food security. The fertile farmlands are being encroached by urbanzation. Declining groundwater levels, increasing micronutrient deficiencies, the use of fertile soil for brick making, degrading soil structure, and global warming are serious sustainability issues in South Asia. The extensive production of cereals and conventional soil management practices are increasing soil erosion; depleting soil organic matter, soil fertility, water resources, and increasing salinization. The restoration and management of soil organic matter, rainwater harvesting, and the efficient use of water and sustainable nutrient management are essential to sustain the long-term productivity of agricultural soils. Diversification of monocropping systems and the adoption of conservation agriculture may enhance the sequestration of soil carbon and increase biodiversity. However, site-specific technologies must be identified and made available to farmers. Prime agricultural land must be protected against urban encroachment. Communication and collaboration between scientists, farmers, and policymakers are needed to manage soils for ensuring food security in South Asia. The objective of this review is to deliberate the causes of soil degradation in South Asia and suggest soil management options to reverse the degradation trends and ensure long-term food security in the region.

Policy Options to Achieve Food Security in South Asia pulls together all South Asian countries and identifies major issues of food security in the individual country. The chapters highlight issues such as initiatives and policies taken up in these countries to achieve the goal of food security and also critically evaluate the effectiveness of these policies. It suggests measures to overcome the identified constraints and make the policies more effective. It also talks about the SAARC food bank to ensure food security in the region. The question of food security has a number of dimensions that go beyond production, availability and demand for food. Food availability does not ensure food security, thus distribution and access of population to food is equally important for food security. Food availability through better distribution mechanisms and alternatively through imports can ensure food security.

The impact of climate change on food crop productivity, food prices and food security in South Asia

The most vulnerable groups in terms of food security during floods in south Asia under climate change will be the poor, women and children. Current procedures for the transfer of climate adaptation funds tend to marginalize these groups. Food production is being disrupted by flooding more frequently and more severely than before, due to climate change. By 2080 the situation is likely to be much worse than at present. Adaptation has to encourage management of all stages of food security, from the farm to the consumer, both urban and rural. Measures have to be participatory, from the community to the international level. While many individual initiatives offer hope and demonstrate good practice, institutional, economic and environmental factors may all impede the maintenance and enhancement of food security in south Asia. Innovative forms of food production, distribution and storage will have to be developed.

Twin challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and climate change for agriculture and food security in South Asia

With 1.7 bn people, South Asia has more inhabitants than Europe, North and South America put together. In a few years’ time South Asia is expected to overtake East Asia to become the most populous region of the world. Unfortunately, it is also the poorest region. More people are going hungry than in Africa. Feeding a rising population in a speedier and more efficient way will be one of the most pressing needs of the years ahead. Regional cooperation is much needed in providing food security in South Asia, mainly by a prudent use of scarce flow resources like water that cross borders and that are indispensable for food production.

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Contents: Foreword Preface PART I: CIVIL SOCIETY IN REGIONAL COOPERATION IN SOUTH ASIA 1. Political Economy of Regional Cooperation in South Asia V.V. Desai 2. SAARC & Beyond - Civil Society and Regional Integration in South Asia Navnita Chadha Behera PART II: ECONOMIC INTEGRATION - INDUSTRIES 3. Vertical Integration of Industries in South Asia Deshal de Mel and Suwendrani Jayaratne 4. Integration of ICT Industries and its Impact on Market Access and Trade: The Case of Bangladesh and India Monzur Hossain, Naoko Shinkai, Mohammad Yunus and Zaid Bakht PART III: ECONOMIC INTEGRATION - TRADE, AND TRADE IN SERVICES 5. Trade Facilitation Issues in South Asia Deshal de Mel, Suwendrani Jayaratne and Dharshani Premaratne 6. Liberalization of Air Services in South Asia: Prospects and Challenges Saman Kelegama and Deshal de Mel 7. Liberalization of Trade in Services under SAFTA: Prospects and Challenges for Pakistan Safdar Sohail, Noorulain Hanif and Maliha Quddus PART IV: REGIONAL PUBLIC GOODS FOR SOUTH ASIA 8. The Provision of Regional Public Goods in South Asia Khaja Moinuddin 9. Food Security in South Asia: Strategies and Programs for Regional Collaboration Muhammad Iqbal and Rashid Amjad

Weather, trade restrictions, rising oil prices, a lack of financial support for farmers, and other factors have contributed to the destabilization of South Asian food security. The purpose of this study is to determine the long-run and short-run relationships between climate change, agricultural credit, renewable energy, and food security for a sample of South Asian countries between 1990 and 2021. The Dynamic Common Correlated technique is utilized for empirical analysis since it directly addresses the issue of cross-sectional dependency while delivering accurate cointegration findings. The study’s empirical findings show that climate change reduces food availability and increases the incidence of food insecurity in South Asia. In contrast, the use of renewable energy sources has a positive effect on food security in the short-run but not in the long-run, while the availability of credit to farmers has a positive effect on food security. Findings suggest that South Asian countries may reduce climate change’s negative effect on food security by investing in climate services, climate-resilient infrastructure, growing drought-resistant crops, using supplemental reinforced agricultural practices, and improving their weather forecasting capabilities.