Safeguarding NE’s food bowl

Context: Northeast
India, a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity and distinct cultural
heritage, is increasingly grappling with the adverse impacts of climate change.
This ecological upheaval is particularly threatening the region’s indigenous
food systems, which are deeply intertwined with its natural environment. The
region’s agriculture, heavily reliant on monsoon rains, is becoming
increasingly vulnerable. Erratic rainfall patterns, coupled with frequent and
intense floods and droughts, disrupt the traditional agricultural calendar,
leading to significant crop failures. Extreme weather events like floods and
droughts have become more frequent and intense, further damaging crops and
infrastructure. Additionally, climate change is contributing to the
proliferation of pests and diseases, further jeopardising food security.

Key points

·      
Overview: According to the World Food
Programme, 195 million people in India are undernourished. 43% of children in
India are chronically undernourished. India ranks 68 out of 113 major countries
in terms of the Global food security index 2022.

·      
Need for food security: Population
Pressure - With over 1.3 billion people, India has a large and growing
population. The increasing demand for food places significant pressure on
agricultural production and food resources.

Agricultural
Productivity - India’s agricultural sector is characterized by low productivity due to
several factors such as fragmented land holdings, inadequate irrigation
facilities, lack of modern farming techniques, and limited access to credit and
technology.

Climate Change
and Natural Disasters - Erratic weather patterns, including droughts,
floods, and extreme temperatures, affect crop yields and livestock
productivity.

·      
Challenges related to food security: Sustainable
Agriculture Practices - Promote sustainable farming practices such as
organic farming, agroforestry, and integrated pest management. These practices
enhance soil fertility, reduce chemical inputs, and conserve water, leading to
increased productivity and resilience.

Research and
Technology - Developing high-yielding crop varieties, drought and pest-resistant
seeds, and innovative farming techniques. Encourage the adoption of modern
technologies like precision agriculture, remote sensing, and digital farming
tools to optimize resource use and improve productivity.

·      
National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: The National
Food Security Bill, which was passed in India in 2013 and subsequently enacted
as the National Food Security Act (NFSA), is a landmark legislation aimed at
ensuring food security for the population.

·      
Way Forward: It refers to
the state in which all individuals within a country have access to an adequate
supply of nutritious food, can afford to purchase high-quality food, and face
no obstacles in obtaining it. While those living in poverty often struggle to
meet their food needs, even wealthier individuals can experience food
insecurity during emergencies or crises. In India, numerous people encounter
issues with food and nutrition security, with groups being more severely
impacted.