Question 1

Q1: How is food security ensured in India?

Accepted Answer

Food security is ensured in India through a carefully designed system by the government, which has two main components and is supported by various programs: 1.  Buffer Stock: The government, through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), maintains a buffer stock of foodgrains like wheat and rice. It p...

Question 2

Q10: Write notes on: (a) Minimum support price (b) Buffer stock (c) Issue price (d) Fair price shops

Accepted Answer

(a) Minimum Support Price (MSP): The Minimum Support Price is the pre-announced price at which the government, through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), purchases foodgrains from farmers. The MSP is declared by the government every year before the sowing season. Its main purpose is to provide an...

Question 3

Q11: What are the problems of the functioning of ration shops?

Accepted Answer

The functioning of ration shops (Fair Price Shops) under the Public Distribution System faces several problems, as mentioned in the text. These include: 1.  Malpractices by Dealers: Ration shop dealers are often found engaging in corrupt practices. They might divert the grains to the open market to...

Question 4

Q12: Write a note on the role of cooperatives in providing food and related items.

Accepted Answer

Cooperatives play a significant and important role in ensuring food security in India, especially in the southern and western parts of the country. They function as an alternative to government-run systems and contribute in several ways: -   Running Fair Price Shops: Cooperatives set up and run shop...

Question 5

Q2: Which are the people more prone to food insecurity?

Accepted Answer

The people most prone to food insecurity in India belong to the most disadvantaged sections of society. The text identifies the following groups: -   In Rural Areas: Landless people, households with little or no land, traditional artisans, providers of traditional services, petty self-employed worke...

Question 6

Q3: Which states are more food insecure in India?

Accepted Answer

According to the text, food insecure people are disproportionately located in economically backward states with high levels of poverty, tribal and remote areas, and regions prone to natural disasters. The text specifically mentions the following states as accounting for the largest number of food-in...

Question 7

Q4: Do you believe that green revolution has made India self-sufficient in food grains? How?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I believe the Green Revolution has made India self-sufficient in food grains. How it was achieved: 1.  New Agricultural Strategy: After Independence, India adopted a new strategy in agriculture in the late 1960s, known as the Green Revolution. This focused on using High Yielding Variety (HYV) s...

Question 8

Q5: A section of people in India are still without food. Explain?

Accepted Answer

Even though India is self-sufficient in food grain production, a section of the population is still without food. This paradox exists because food security depends not only on the availability of food but also on its accessibility and affordability. Reasons for food insecurity: 1.  Poverty: A large...

Question 9

Q6: What happens to the supply of food when there is a disaster or a calamity?

Accepted Answer

When there is a disaster or a calamity like a drought, flood, or earthquake, the supply of food is severely affected in the following ways: 1.  Decrease in Production: The total production of foodgrains in the affected area decreases, leading to an overall shortage of food. 2.  Price Rise: Due to th...

Question 10

Q7: Differentiate between seasonal hunger and chronic hunger?

Accepted Answer

Question 11

Q8: What has our government done to provide food security to the poor? Discuss any two schemes launched by the government?

Accepted Answer

The Indian government has implemented a comprehensive food security system to provide food to the poor. This includes maintaining a buffer stock and a public distribution system, along with launching several targeted schemes. Two important schemes are: 1.  Public Distribution System (PDS): This is o...

Question 12

Q9: Why buffer stock is created by the government?

Accepted Answer

A buffer stock, which is the stock of foodgrains (mainly wheat and rice) procured by the government through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), is created for two primary reasons: 1.  To Supply Food to the Poor: The buffer stock is used to distribute foodgrains in deficit areas and among the poorer...

Question 13

Q1: Some people say that the Bengal famine happened because there was a shortage of rice. Study the table and find out whether you agree with the statemen...

Accepted Answer

Based on the data in 'Table 4.1: Production of Rice in the Province of Bengal', I do not agree with the statement that the Bengal famine happened simply because of a shortage of rice. Reasoning: 1.  The table shows the total availability of rice in lakh tonnes for several years. The famine occurred...

Question 14

Q2: Which year shows a drastic decline in food availability?

Accepted Answer

Analysis of the Table: By observing the 'Total Availability' column in Table 4.1, we can see the year-on-year change: - 1938 to 1939: Decline from 85 to 83 lakh tonnes (a drop of 2 lakh tonnes). - 1940 to 1941: Decline from 85 to 70 lakh tonnes (a drop of 15 lakh tonnes). - 1942 to 1943: Decline fro...

Question 15

Q1: (a) What do you see in Picture 4.1?

Accepted Answer

Picture 4.1, captioned 'Starvation victims arriving at a relief centre, 1945', shows a group of extremely thin and malnourished people. They appear weak, emaciated, and are likely suffering from severe hunger, which are the devastating effects of a famine.

Question 16

Q2: (b) Which age group is seen in the first picture?

Accepted Answer

The first picture shows people from various age groups, including children, adults, and possibly elderly individuals. All of them appear to be victims of starvation.

Question 17

Q3: (c) Can you say that the family shown in the Picture 4.2 is a poor family? why?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can be said that the family shown in Picture 4.2 is a poor family.  Reasons: 1.  The caption states that the family is leaving its village during the Bengal Famine, which indicates they are migrating due to extreme hardship. 2.  They are travelling on foot and carrying all their meager belon...

Question 18

Q4: (d) Can you imagine the source of livelihood of the people, (shown in two Pictures) before the occurrence of famine? (In the context of a village)

Accepted Answer

Based on the information in the chapter, the people shown in the pictures were likely from the most vulnerable sections of rural society. Before the famine, their source of livelihood would have been occupations such as agricultural labourers, fishermen, transport workers, and other casual labourers...

Question 19

Q5: (e) Find out what type of help is given to the victims of a natural calamity at a relief camp.

Accepted Answer

At a relief camp for victims of a natural calamity, the following types of help are typically provided: -   Food: Cooked meals or dry rations are provided to prevent starvation. -   Water: Access to safe and clean drinking water is ensured. -   Shelter: Temporary shelter in the form of tents or in d...

Question 20

Q6: (f) Have you ever helped such victims (in the form of money, food, clothes, medicines etc.)

Accepted Answer

This question asks for a personal response. A general answer would be: Yes, many people help victims of natural calamities. Help can be provided in various forms: -   Donating Money: Contributing to relief funds run by the government or credible non-governmental organizations (NGOs). -   Donating Go...

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