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[August Theme Report] Food and Water Security

by Yashaswi Hegde | 18-08-2023 03:42 recommendations 0

We in India celebrated our Independence Day on 15th. It's a moment to take a look at the steps taken in vital areas like food and water security. India's journey from uncertainty to progress in food production, along with the government's active efforts, paints an optimistic picture for the future.


Food Security:


When it comes to food security, India has made significant progress. From relying heavily on food imports, the country has become self-sufficient in food production. The establishment of reserves for food grains ensures preparedness for unexpected shortages. However, challenges still exist. About 195 million people in India continue to face undernourishment, showing that there's work to be done. Climate change, water scarcity, and economic instability add complexities, but these challenges also inspire us to find new solutions.


Promoting Water Security:


The spotlight also falls on water security, portraying a tale of resilience amidst adversity. As India confronts a pressing water crisis, the nation's response radiates positivity. Even as water resources are strained, strategic measures are being adopted for improved management. Recognizing the impending surge in demand due to population growth, urbanization, and changing climate patterns, initiatives are being implemented to reshape the water landscape. 


water

Image Credits: mgdb.net

Government Initiatives for Food and Water Security:


The Indian government's initiatives are pivotal in this journey. One such notable effort is the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) scheme. This scheme stands as a testament to India's resolve to tackle undernourishment head-on. The Indian government has been providing free food grains for the underprivileged since the onset of COVID. Enabling free food grains distribution, the scheme has been signaling the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable sections of society.


Moreover, another noteworthy initiative, the Jal Jeevan Mission, is changing the narrative of water scarcity. Launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this visionary mission seeks to address India's water woes comprehensively. It has already achieved remarkable milestones, providing more than 5.20 crore households with tap water connections across various states in the country.


Under this mission, water committees and Jal Jeevan Mission have been established to monitor and manage water-related activities. The mission also emphasizes Gram Swaraj, recognizing that true village empowerment involves active participation in development. By directly allocating funds to Gram Panchayats, the government ensures transparency and accountability while empowering local governance.


The mission's impact is felt across diverse terrains, including remote areas like Leh-Ladakh. The mission aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of a water-secure India by addressing the challenges of water transportation by tankers or trains. 


In a digital age, the Jal Jeevan Mission has embraced technology with the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission app. This app consolidates all campaign-related information in one place, providing details about water supply schemes, water quality, and household water access. Through this app, the Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance Framework ensure the purity of water is maintained, empowering communities to safeguard their water resources.


As the Jal Jeevan Mission continues to make strides, India's water security journey takes a positive turn. It stands as a testament to India's determination to overcome water scarcity, ensuring that every drop reaches those in need. With a strong foundation laid by such initiatives, India charts a course toward a future where food and water security are firmly established, creating a brighter, more secure tomorrow for all.


Sources: 
  • Food security and national security of India: https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/food-security-and-national-security-of-india/3023836/
  • Global Food Security Index 2022: https://foodsecurityindex.eiu.com/
  • Water Security: Issues and challenges for India: https://www.waterdiplomat.org/story/2023/02/water-security-issues-and-challenges-india India's Energy, Food, and Water Security:
  •  https://www.ceew.in/publications/india%E2%80%99s-energy-food-and-water-security

Image credits: edurev.in
 
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1 Comments

Yewon Mentor

  • Yewon Mentor says :
    Hello Yashaswi! This is your mentor Yewon.
    You have written a wonderful report about food and waste security in India, which was our theme for August.
    PM-GKAY project seems so interesting, and I'm glad that India government is trying hard to mitigate this problem actively!
    Thank you for your meaningful report. Great job!
    Posted 31-08-2023 10:39

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