Economy
Food Security
Welcome to the comprehensive study hub on Food Security, a critical and recurring theme for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. At its core, Food Security signifies a state where
28 articles in this topic
Articles on Food Security
Why fertilisers could be the war’s soft underbelly victim for India
Source: Indian express(Page12) | Syllabus: GS3(Economy)
Rebuilding India’s Agriculture for...
Editorial analysis topic
Why key to coconut cultivation today is sustainability, not productivity
Source: The Hindu(Page7) | Syllabus: GS2(IR)/GS3(Economy)
Rebuilding India’s Agriculture for...
Editorial analysis topic
India’s Nutritional Security Push 17 Feb 2026
Editorial analysis topic
Bridging Funding Gaps For Sustainable Farming
Published on: 28 February, 2026 India needs to prioritise financing for resilience in its agricultural food production system to ensure long-term food security and protect the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers.
Reimagining FCI: From Open-Ended Procurement to Smart Buffer Management
Published on: 27 February, 2026 After the six decades of establishment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), India’s agricultural landscape has transformed, from scarcity to surplus, while food security remains non-negotiable, calling for a strategic recalibration of FCI’s role to ensure fiscal prudence, efficiency, and sustainability.
Reimagining FCI: From Open-Ended Procurement to Smart Buffer Management
Published on: 27 February, 2026 After the six decades of establishment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), India’s agricultural landscape has transformed, from scarcity to surplus, while food security remains non-negotiable, calling for a strategic recalibration of FCI’s role to ensure fiscal prudence, efficiency, and sustainability.
Removing of Ineligible Beneficiaries from NFSA List
Context The Union Government has removed around 2.25 crore ineligible beneficiaries from the free monthly ration scheme under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) over the past four to five months. Scale of Distribution India currently has over 19 crore ration card holders, and around 5 lakh fair price shops operating across States and Union Territories. This vast network plays a vital role in ensuring food security for millions of citizens every month.
NITI Aayog Unveils “Reimagining Agriculture: Roadmap for Frontier Technology Led Transformation”
In News NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub unveiled a major roadmap titled “Reimagining Agriculture: A Roadmap for Frontier Technology Led Transformation”. Key Features of the Roadmap Frontier Technologies: The roadmap focuses on integrating cutting-edge tools such as climate-resilient seeds, digital twins, precision agriculture, AI (including Agentic AI), and advanced mechanization. Customization for Farmer Segments: Farmers are categorized as Aspiring, Transitioning, and Advanced, with each group
Need for Shift from Food Security to Nutrition Security
Context At the inaugural session of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 PM Modi urged the scientific community to focus on moving from food security to nutrition security. Status of Food Security in India According to the Third Advance Estimates for 2024-25, India has achieved record foodgrain production of 353.96 million tonnes, including 117.51 million tonnes of wheat and 149.07 million tonnes of rice. The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 ensures subsid
Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI)
Context Post-harvest losses remain a significant challenge in India, particularly for perishable commodities and there is a need for integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure. Scale of Post Harvest Loss India ranks second in global agriculture production, but its share in global agricultural exports is only 2.4%, placing it eighth in the world. India’s post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually, according to a Ministry of Food Processing Industries 2022 st
Makhananomics
In News Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the newly launched National Makhana Board as a transformative “revolution” for the sector. Makhana It is the dried edible seed of the prickly water lily or gorgon plant (Euryale ferox), a species which grows in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia. It is known for its violet and white flowers, and massive, round and prickly leaves — often stretching more than a meter across.
India Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Dairy Producer Worldwide
Context India’s dairy sector has expanded by 70% in the past 11 years, with milk production rising from 146 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 239 million tonnes in 2023-24. Dairy Sector of India Global Leadership: India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing 24.76% of global milk output. Economic Contribution: Dairy is India’s single largest agricultural commodity, contributing 5% to GDP and employing over 8 crore farmers.
Building Resilient Infrastructure for Storage of Food Grains
In Context India produced a record 353.96 million tonnes of foodgrain in 2024-25, supported by modern storage infrastructure. Role of FCI The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the main agency managing centralized storage of food grains in India. It procures wheat, rice, and other grains at Minimum Support Price (MSP) to protect farmers incomes and maintain buffer stocks.
Food Loss and Waste
Context On September 29, the world observes the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW). About In 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming an International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW). SDG 12 seeks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Five Years of Blue Revolution
In News The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has significantly advanced the fisheries sector by making it ecologically sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive five years since its launch. Background The Blue Revolution, launched in 2015, aimed to boost fish production and modernize the fisheries value chain. While it improved productivity and infrastructure, gaps remained in areas like post-harvest handling, traceability, fisher welfare, and market access.
NITI Aayog Releases Strategy for Building a Self-Reliant Pulses Sector
Context A report titled “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta” was released by the NITI Aayog. Importance of Pulses in India Catering Nutritional Security: They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, benefiting both human and animal health, and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Sustainable Development: Pulses enhance soil health, conserve water, an
Fertiliser Shortages Amid Monsoon Boom
Context A well-distributed southwest monsoon in 2025, has boosted kharif sowing along with triggering an unprecedented surge in fertilizer demand. Fertiliser Sale Impact A good monsoon ensures soil moisture, reservoir filling, and groundwater recharge, encouraging higher sowing and proportionately higher fertilizer use. Fertilisers supply key nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulphur (S), that are indispensable for crop growth.
India's attempt to Harness its Marine Fisheries Potential
Context The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently released draft rules and guidelines to enable “sustainable” fishing in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas. Potential of India’s Fisheries Sector India has a coastline of approximately 11,098.81 km, with 1,457 landing centres and 3,461 fishing villages, providing a strong base for fisheries development. India is the third largest fish-producing country in the world accounting for 8% of global product