Discuss the measures taken to ensure food security in Himachal Pradesh. (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 3, Q.24)
Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous state in northern India, has taken several steps to ensure its people’s food security.
Some of the key measures are:
- Subsidized Food Grains: Through the Public Distribution System, the state government provides subsidized food grains to the poor and marginalized sections of society (PDS). The PDS is an important measure to ensure food security, and the government provides subsidies on wheat, rice, sugar, and other essential commodities to beneficiaries.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a government-sponsored programme that provides nutritious food to school-aged children. The scheme is in place in all government and government-aided schools in the state, and it has helped to increase student enrollment and retention.
- The National Food Security Act (NFSA) is a central law aimed at providing food and nutritional security to the people of India. Himachal Pradesh has implemented the NFSA provisions, which include providing subsidized food grains to eligible households and establishing grievance redressal mechanisms for PDS complaints.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a government-funded programme that aims to provide a comprehensive set of services to children under the age of six, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers. Supplemental nutrition, health screenings, and referral services are among the services provided. Himachal Pradesh has implemented the ICDS in all of its districts to ensure adequate nutrition for children and mothers.
- Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (HPSRLM): The Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (HPSRLM) is a state government initiative aimed at reducing poverty and improving rural livelihoods. Various programmes have been implemented by the mission to increase the productivity of small and marginal farmers, increase access to credit, and promote entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors.
- National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP): The National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) is a government-sponsored programme that aims to promote the country’s food processing industries.
The scheme provides:
- Financial assistance for the establishment of new food processing units
- The upgrading of existing units
- The development of infrastructure facilities
