FOOD SECURITY DISCUSSED IN IIPA

J&K Regional Branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration organised Lecture on Food Security in India which was delivered by Prof R.L.Bhat, Head, Deptt. of Economics, Central University of Jammu. Prof Bhat felt that the food availability does not automatically ensure food security emphasized on complete nutritional security rather than calorie security.

The speaker dwelt on world over reduction of food production and diversions towards production of fuels. Therefore he felt that importing food was not a good alternative as it is expensive and deplete our meagre foreign currency reserves. The speaker shows concerned over malnutrition among women and children and lamented that it was a pity that people dies of starvation even 66 years after independence.

Dr Bhat express his reservations about the ingredients of the food security bill. He expressed his apprehension that cost involved will put pressure on the fiscal health of the economy. Instead he suggested making more investment in agricultural infrastructure and research. The subsidies are not sustainable in long run, he said.

The lecture was followed by a lively interactive session and issues were raised and suggestions made towards devise a better delivery system for implementing food security bill.

Dr Ashok Bhan Chairman IIPA J&K Regional Branch presided over the function. Sh Vikrant Kuthiala introduce the subject and Sh J.B.S. Johar, Hony Secretary presented the vote of thanks.

A large number of Academicians, Civil Society members and members of IIPA participated in the programme.