| Abstract: | The era of globalization introduced changes in different sectors of economy leading to use of modern technology, growth of new professions and businesses and steady withdrawal of government from priority sectors widening disparities and income inequalities in society. India, one amongst the most developing economies, has its own share of problems and vicissitudes. India, home to more than 1.39 billion people is one of the top food-producing nations in the world. The production of food grains has been increasing continuously from the ‘Green Revolution’ of the 1960s, and today India is one of the leading producers of rice, wheat, pulses and cotton. India is ranked first in the production of milk, and second in production of fruits and vegetables. However, the lack of storage facilities, logistics support, cold storages and closer markets or mandis means almost 30-40 % wastage of produce which could have been used to feed hungry millions. India is facing an impending humanitarian crisis on account of widespread hunger and malnutrition among its population. The poor, underprivileged and marginalized sections of society are worst affected by poverty, hunger and malnutrition. This is discernible by the continuous downslide on the Global Hunger Index (GHI). India ranked 107th out of 121 countries in 2022. With a score of 29.1, India lags behind its neighbours Sri Lanka (64), Nepal (81), Bangladesh (84) and Pakistan (99) in addressing hunger. The lack of clarity in planning, inefficiency in administration and widespread corruption are responsible for ever increasing hunger and malnutrition in India. The paper reviews actual condition of food security, policies and programs of government and reasons for persistence of large-scale hunger and malnutrition and the issue of right to food. |
