Description

In India, the concept of food security has been undergoing an evolutionary change during the last 70 years. In the nineteen fifties, food security was considered necessary in terms of production only. It was believed that the adequate production of food would ensure adequate availability of food in the market as well as in the household. After 25 years of independence, it became clear that availability alone does not lead to food security, for those who lack purchasing power will not be able to have access to balanced diets. Purchasing power again is related to jobs or livelihood opportunities. More recently, it is becoming clear that even if availability and access are satisfactory, the biological absorption of food in the body is related to the consumption of clean drinking water as well as environmental hygiene, primary health care and primary education are also necessary. Finally, even if physical and economic access to food is assured, ecological factors will determine the long - term sustainability of food security systems