Food Security in a Developing World-Existing Policy Mechanisms and their pros and cons of the existing system in the developing world with a Special Emphasis on India

Abstract

Food security continues to be a major concern in developing nations, necessitating a comprehensive approach involving governments, international organizations, and NGOs. Governments and market practitioners employ diverse strategies to tackle food security concerns within their populations. This chapter explores the significance of policy mechanisms in achieving sustainable food security in India as a developing country, along with the need for thorough evaluation of existing policies, including their benefits and drawbacks. Literature recommends several policies to address food insecurity in these regions, including subsidies, food aid, cash transfers, agricultural extension services, social protection programs, trade policies etc. While subsidies can stimulate food production and stabilize prices, they carry the risk of overproduction, waste, and limited reach to small-scale farmers. Moreover, food aid may create dependency on external food sources and undermine local food systems. Similarly, although agricultural extension services can enhance farm yields and income, access to these services may be restricted in rural areas or due to social disparities. Initiatives like social protection programs helps to alleviate malnutrition, but their effectiveness hinges on well-designed and efficiently implemented programs. Trade policies, such as import tariffs, quotas, and export subsidies, influence food availability and prices, but their success is contingent upon context-specific factors and effective implementation. Therefore, policymakers must carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each approach in order to develop sustainable and effective solutions to address food insecurity.