SOCIAL DIMENSION OF FOOD SECURITY IN MODERN INDIA

Abstract

The transition to sustainable food systems is a complex issue that requires coordination, coherence and integration of national food policies at various levels. The governments of some of the world's largest economies have the potential to transform existing food systems, but this task requires consistent and comprehensive action. All the politicians in the world who are in charge of this area are still using the isolated method of fighting hunger. This study examines existing methods to combat hunger on the example of India. India is one of the largest and developing economies in the world, but at the same time it has one of the highest rates of hunger according to data provided by international organizations. An assessment is given and the principle of operation of the State Distribution System of India is shown. This system is the world's largest universal grain distribution system for low-income populations. It plays a critical role in reducing food insecurity by acting as a safety net, distributing basic necessities at subsidized prices. This study partly showed the functioning of the food distribution system, which has no analogues in the world. The causes of food insecurity and hunger in India are considered. Some studies suggest that a high rate of rural-to-urban migration may be a factor, as evidenced by the concentration of economic benefits in urban areas and significant changes in the contribution of the agricultural sector to a country's GDP. Others report negative impacts of climate change that also contribute to food insecurity, as uneven growth and production of food stocks are attributed to uneven weather patterns and increased droughts. In the latest Global Hunger Index, India ranks first in the "serious problems" category, as the country is still not coping well with hunger and malnutrition.