Food Security Indicators in India Compared to Similar Countries

Abstract

Although in recent years the Indian economy is growing at more than 7% per annum, its performance in food security is dismal. India is known for having the largest number of undernourished children and women with anaemia. It is also home to the largest number of underweight children. In this scenario, it is important to focus on the Sustainable Development Goal 2 targeted to end all types of hunger by 2030. This article examines the progress of India's food security from 1990 to 2016, using four components, i.e. food availability, access, stability and utilization with the use of FAO food security indicators. India's progress is compared with eight countries (country groups) with similar per capita GDP. Even though India's performance is better for some food availability (dietary energy supply and value of food production) and stability (domestic food price indices) indicators, its record in some other (protein availability and prevalence of undernourishment indicators) is dismal. In case of food access and utilization indicators, its performance is miserable. India needs to improve its production of protein-rich foods and increase investments in irrigation to stabilize food supply. It needs to strengthen food entitlements for its vulnerable population through employment guarantee programmes and midday meals programmes.