Table of Contents:
- Meaning of Population Explosion
- Population Explosion in India
- Relation Between Population Explosion of Food Insecurity
- Chronic Hunger vs. Seasonal Hunger
- Why there is Food Insecurity in India
- Discuss the causes of the population explosion in India and give suggestions to combat this problem. ( UPPSC 2022)
Meaning of Population Explosion:
Population explosion refers to a sudden and sharp increase in the population of a specific area, region, or the world as a whole.
Population explosion is a rapid and unsustainable growth in the number of people within a relatively short period, which leads to the shortage of the ability of the environment, infrastructure, and resources to support this larger population adequately.
Population Explosion in India:
The population growth of India can be categorized into the following four phases.
- Phase-I: 1901-1920; Stagnant growth
- Phase-II: 1921-1951; Steady population growth.
- Phase-III: 1951-1981; Period of population explosion.
- Phase-IV: 1981-present Period: Downward trend of population growth due to improving health and education, late marriage.
Phase -III( 1951-1981) Population explosion phase:
The average population growth was 2.2 % yearly growth.
The following are the causes of the population explosion in India:
High Birth Rates:
Historically, India has had high birth rates, with large families being common. This has led to natural population growth.
Reduced Mortality Rates:
Improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and access to medical services have lowered mortality rates, particularly among infants and children, leading to higher life expectancy.
Cultural and Social Factors:
Cultural and social factors, such as the preference for male children and limited access to family planning, have influenced family size decisions.
Limited Access to Education:
Inadequate education, particularly for women, has hindered awareness and access to family planning methods.
Economic Factors:
Poverty and limited economic opportunities have often resulted in larger families, as children can be seen as a source of labor for agricultural activities and support in old age.
Healthcare Advances:
Advancements in medical technology, including fertility treatments, have contributed to population growth.
In Migration:
The inflow of international migration from Tibet, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan has also led to an increase in population in India.
Does the population explosion cause food insecurity?
Yes, the population explosion can contribute to food insecurity. As the global or Indian population grows, the demand for food increases. If food production and distribution systems cannot keep pace with this demand, it can lead to food shortages and higher prices, resulting in food insecurity for many people. Sustainable agricultural practices and improved food distribution are essential to mitigate the impact of population growth on food security.
What is food security?
- Food security means the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food to all people all the time.
- Food security must be at the individual, household, regional, national, and global levels.
- Availability of food means food production within our country, import of food, and the previous year's stock of food grains.
- Accessibility means the reachability of every person.
- Affordability means individuals should have enough money to buy sufficient safe and nutritional food.
- Organize a debate on the food security of India, its needs, and its efforts.
- Food security
- Explain the challenges of food security in India. How can they be removed? Explain.
Why do we need food security?
- The poorest sections of society such as labor, fishermen, and transport workers may not get food at all times due to affordability.
- Food insecurity happens at times of national disasters and calamities like drought, flood, and failure of crops causing famine and mass mortality.
- Due to the shortage of food price goes up and poor people do not afford it.
- The famine of Bengal in 1943 killed 30 lakh people in the province of Bengal.
- Bengal-like famine did not happen again but some death has been reported due to starvation in the Baran district of Rajasthan and Palamau district of Jharkhand.
In the 1970s, India achieved food self-sufficiency. The government took two steps for food security:
- Maintaining Buffer stock
- Public Distribution System(PDS)
- Transport subsidy scheme for hilly states
Buffer Stock:
- Wheat and rice are procured by the Food Corporation of India(FCI) via minimum support price.
Public Distribution System ( PDS) system;
A Public Distribution System ( PDS) system is being implemented by Ration Shop ( a fair price shop). India has 5.5 lakh shops Food grains along with sugar, Kerosene oil, salt, etc. are also being distributed.Hunger is an indication of food insecurity.
There are two types of hunger:
- Chronic hunger
- Seasonal hunger
Chronic hunger and seasonal hunger are two different forms of food insecurity:
Chronic Hunger:
This refers to long-term, persistent food insecurity where individuals or communities consistently lack access to sufficient, nutritious food year-round. It often results from factors like poverty, limited resources, and inadequate infrastructure, leading to ongoing malnutrition and health problems.
Seasonal Hunger:
Seasonal hunger is linked to specific times of the year when food availability fluctuates due to factors like weather or agricultural cycles. In many agricultural communities, there may be periods, such as the lean season before the harvest, when food stocks are low, and access to food becomes limited. Seasonal hunger tends to be temporary and cyclical.
Both chronic and seasonal hunger are important issues to address in efforts to improve food security and reduce malnutrition globally.
The following are some figures about seasonal and chronic hunger in India.
|
Rural
India |
||
|
Year |
Seasonal |
Chronic hunger |
|
16.2 |
2.3 |
|
|
1993-94 |
4.2 |
0.9 |
|
1999-2000 |
2.6 |
0.7 |
|
Urban
India |
||
|
Year |
Seasonal |
Chronic Hunger |
|
1983 |
5.6 |
0.8 |
|
1993-94 |
1.1 |
.5 |
|
1999-2000 |
0.6 |
0.03 |
The world's largest malnutrition population lives in India. It indicates that India does not have food security.
Why food insecurity in India;
Food insecurity in India is a complex issue influenced by various factors. Some key reasons for food insecurity in India include:
Gender Discrimination and Cultural Norms:
Women and girls have generally less access to food as compared to boys in India.
Poverty:
A significant portion of the population in India lives below the poverty line, making it difficult for them to afford an adequate diet.
Unequal Distribution:
Unequal distribution of food and resources, both between regions and within communities, can result in some areas or individuals having limited access to food.
Agricultural Challenges:
India's agricultural sector faces issues such as outdated farming practices, lack of access to modern technology, and vulnerability to climate change, which can affect food production.
Storage and Distribution:
Inefficient storage and distribution systems can lead to food wastage and hinder the supply of food to those in need.
Lack of Infrastructure:
Limited infrastructure, including roads and transportation networks, can impede the timely and efficient movement of food from producers to consumers.
Government Policies:
Policy issues, including subsidies, trade policies, and the functioning of the public distribution system, can impact food availability and affordability.
Population Growth:
India's large and growing population puts pressure on food resources, making it challenging to ensure everyone has access to enough food.
Health and Nutrition:
Lack of education and awareness about proper nutrition can lead to malnutrition, even when food is available.
Question.
Discuss the causes of the population explosion in India and give suggestions to combat this problem.
(UPPSC Mains General Studies-I/GS- 2021)
Answer.
The population explosion in India can be attributed to several interconnected causes. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach.
Here are some of the primary causes of the population explosion in India:
High Birth Rates:
High fertility rates, often due to early marriages and a lack of awareness about family planning, contribute to population growth.
Lack of Education:
Limited access to quality education, particularly among women, leads to a lack of awareness about family planning and reproductive health.
Social Norms:
Traditional and cultural norms in some regions of India have promoted large families, which can contribute to population growth.
Poverty:
Large families are often seen as a source of labor and support for parents in old age. That is why poverty also promotes population growth.
Inadequate Healthcare:
Uneven access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas, can lead to poor maternal and child health, which may result in higher birth rates.
Gender Inequality:
Gender disparities in India can lead to reduced opportunities for women and limit their ability to make decisions about family planning.
Here are some of the primary suggestions to Combat Population Growth:
Promote Education:
Invest in education, especially for girls and women, as educated individuals tend to have smaller families. Education can also raise awareness about family planning.
Access to Family Planning:
Ensure widespread access to family planning services, contraceptives, and reproductive health information, particularly in rural areas.
Empower Women:
Promote gender equality and women's empowerment, enabling them to make informed choices about family planning and reproductive health.
Poverty Alleviation:
Implement poverty alleviation programs to reduce the economic incentives for having larger families.
Healthcare Improvement:
Strengthen healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to improve maternal and child health. Healthy families are often more likely to have smaller families.
Delay Marriage:
Encourage delaying the age of marriage, especially for girls, to reduce early childbirth and associated health risks.
Government Policies:
Develop and implement effective population control policies and programs while respecting individual rights and choices.
Economic Development:
Promote economic development and job creation to reduce the perceived need for larger families as a source of income.
It's important to approach the issue of population growth in India with sensitivity to individual choices and rights, while also considering the broader social and economic implications. A comprehensive and collaborative effort involving government, civil society, and the private sector is essential to address this challenge effectively.
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