Answer:

Introduction

Food security aims for sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for individuals which is achieved as seen in production of 315.72 million tonnes foodgrains in 2021-22. But nutritional security aiming at a balanced and diverse diet that provides essential nutrients is lacking as highlighted by recent NFHS (2019- 21) which shows 35.5% of children are stunted.

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Reasons for lack of nutritional security in India

• Cultural practice: For example, a study in rural Rajasthan found that women eat last and consume lower quantities of nutrient-rich foods compared to other family members, resulting in compromised nutritional security.
• Cropping pattern and agriculture practices: For instance, the cultivation of rice and wheat often overshadows the production of nutrient-rich crops like millets and pulses, contributing to nutritional insecurity.
  
• Poverty: A large population in India lives below the poverty line and struggles to afford a nutritious diet. As seen in states like Bihar and Odisha, where poverty rates are high, leading to inadequate nutrition.
• Inadequate Agricultural Infrastructure: India’s agricultural sector faces challenges like outdated farming techniques, lack of irrigation facilities, and limited access to modern technologies. These issues reduce the availability and affordability of nutritious food.
• Climate Change and Natural Disasters: Frequent droughts, floods, and other climate-related events lead to food shortages. States like Maharashtra and Kerala have experienced adverse effects of climate change, affecting crop yields.
• Regional Disparities: For example, states like Punjab and Haryana have better access to nutritious food due to better facilities, while states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh face higher rates of malnutrition due to limited resources.
• Inadequate Social Safety Nets: The absence of robust social welfare programs and safety nets limits the access of vulnerable populations to nutritious food. As seen among tribal populations in states like Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
• Poor Sanitation and Hygiene: Inadequate access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities contributes to the prevalence of waterborne diseases and malnutrition as seen in several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• Food Wastage and Losses: According to estimates, approximately 40% of India’s food production is wasted. These losses reduce the availability of nutritious food for consumption.

Steps taken by the government to improve the situation

• National Food Security Act (NFSA): It includes provisions such as subsidized food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS). For example, in Bihar, the NFSA has significantly reduced the prevalence of food insecurity.
• ICDS: Provides supplementary nutrition, health check-ups, and immunization to children under the age of six and pregnant and lactating women. It operates in all states, including Uttar Pradesh, where it has reached over 20 million beneficiaries.
• Poshan Abhiyan: Launched in 2017, this mission aims to reduce malnutrition and stunting in children, anemia among women, and low birth weight through a multi-sectoral approach.
• Fortification of Food: Encouraging the fortification of staple foods with essential nutrients. For example, in Karnataka, the government mandated the fortification of edible oils, wheat flour, and salt to improve the nutritional status of the population.
• National Horticulture Mission: To increase the production and consumption of fruits and vegetables. It benefits states like Himachal Pradesh, which has seen improved nutrition and income generation through increased horticultural activities.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): For example, the Akshaya Patra Foundation partners with the government in various states to provide nutritious mid-day meals to schoolchildren, addressing both hunger and malnutrition.

Conclusion

Further there is a need for investments in agriculture, improved infrastructure, education and awareness campaigns, and effective implementation of nutritional initiatives. Such efforts will help combat malnutrition, enhance food accessibility to ensure long-term nutritional security for all Indians.