Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.

The paradox of consistent economic growth but high poverty and hunger is highlighted in Desai Enigma. Nutri puzzle theories by Angus Deaton. India's experience: Economic growth 6-8% consistent since 1990s. Rise in per capita income and poverty reduction from 1991 (World Bank Report). Global Hunger Index ranks India (105/124 with various categories). Factors for the paradox: Accessibility issue of food NE → poor infrastructure-seed, etc. Storage in infrastructure shortage: production is 350 MT, storage 1.45-150 MT. Food consumption habits in India: eg. low protein diet and high carbohydrate caloric diet → deficiencies. Gender inequities → predominate of woman health & nutrition. Child health affected → low nutrient acquisition, eg. 4-35% stunting. Lack of field storage infrastructure → losses of fruits, vegetables, eg. Farm gate loss 9,000 crore. Steps to improve: Development of storage infrastructure, eg. hub & spoke model led.

Storage infrastructure shortage: production is 350 MT, storage 1.45-150 MT. Food consumption habits in India: eg. low protein diet and high carbohydrate caloric diet → deficiencies. Gender inequities → predominate of woman health & nutrition, eg. 59% women anemic. Child health affected → low nutrient acquisition, eg. 4-35% stunting. Lack of field storage infrastructure → losses of fruits, vegetables, eg. Farm gate loss 9,000 crore. Steps to improve: Development of storage infrastructure, eg. hub & spoke model led. PDS expansion + Fair price shops. Social audits of PDS system → identify short beneficiaries+ revoke exclusion/inclusion issues. Auditing PDS to bottom 40% of population (most poor) (Economic Survey 2020). Food fortification (vitamin & rice) → Headlma committee recommendation. Registral PDS and PRM system (Shanta Kumar committee). Make Food Marshkalles in tier 2/3 cities. Steps in this direction would ensure commitment to SDG 1 and SDG 2.

— SURAMYA SHARMA · AIR 359