Answer the following in 5-6 sentences each.

What are the reasons for the persistence of hunger in India?

Hunger is both a cause and consequence of poverty. This creates food insecurity. With the successful implementation of the green revolution, our country has achieved self-sufficiency in the production of food grains, fruits, vegetables and milk. Still, many people are hunger stricken in the country. The basic reasons for the persistence of hunger in the country are:

• Purchasing power: Generally, the purchasing power of the poor will be lesser than that of the richer sections of the people. The rising prices will also reduce the purchasing power of the poor sections. The lack of purchasing power among the poorer sections is the basic reason behind the prevalence of hunger among them.

• Food grain distribution: The Indian government has established the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to purchase and sell food grains and to ensure the maintenance of food security. The FCI procure food from the farmers by giving them the minimum support price and storing them buffer stocks to ensure food security in the country. These grains are then scientifically stored in godowns and distributed among the public through the Public Distribution System (PDS). But the food grain distribution through PDS has many issues and shortcomings. This is also an important reason for the increasing poverty among the poor.