I2U2 & India’s food security challenges

Published
29th Sep, 2022

Context

On the sidelines of the 77th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-US), leaders discussed various important issues. Among themprominence was given to food security – the latest entrant to the mutual areas of interest.

About

Key-objective

Setting up food parks across India and hybrid renewable and clean energy storage project in Dwarka, Gujarat, are the two ongoing projects wherein all the partners are committed to work together and deepen their economic partnership.

I2U2:

I2U2 stands for India, Israel, the UAE, and the US.
The genesis of this group took place in middle-east to harness the maritime traffic of the Strait of Hormuz, Bab Al Mandab and Suez Canal region.
Out of the 8 maritime choke points in the world, these three lie closer to each other around Israel and UAE.

What is Food Security?

According to NFSA, Food Security is defined as the availability of sufficient food grains to meet the domestic demand as well as access, at the individual level, to adequate means of food at affordable prices.
The globally recognized definition of food security is access to food at the household level at all times to ensure a healthy and active life for all its members.

Challenges

Required Measures

prevalence of inequality among the society
unsuccessful delivery of public services
pathetic liability system
infringement in the implementation of pro-poor policies

Addressing major challenges of low GDP per capita, sufficiency of supply, public expenditure on R&D and protein quality
Enhancing agricultural sector
Need to shift from the existing expensive, inefficient, and corruption-ridden institutional arrangements in a transparent manner and are self-targeting
- Eg.- Automatic Grain Dispenser or Grain ATM.
Ensuring quality food
Government needs to conduct a fresh national survey on food insecurity

Important Government Scheme promoting food and nutrition security

Mid-Day Meal Programme
National Food Security Act
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
Public Distribution System
Antyodaya Anna Yojana
National Nutrition Mission
Zero Hunger Programme
Eat Right India Movement

Right to Food

The right to food is fundamental to living a dignified life. It is a person's fundamental human right.
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, coupled with Articles 39(a) and 47, safeguards the right to food and makes it mandatory for the state to ensure that it is effectively realized.
The Supreme Court of India has also recognized the right.