Introduction to Food Security:
The definition of food security, which includes food availability, access, utilization, and stability.
The importance of food security for the socio-economic development of India and the challenges that arise in achieving it.
Discussion on undernourishment, malnutrition, and hunger, which are persistent problems despite India’s growing economy.
Historical Context of Food Security in India:
Overview of India's historical food security challenges, especially during periods of famine and scarcity.
The role of colonial policies, economic inequalities, and the Green Revolution in shaping food security in India.
Shifts in policy focus from agricultural production to broader food security programs.
Current Status of Food Security in India:
Current state of food production, including major crops (rice, wheat, pulses, etc.), and the role of agriculture in India's economy.
The role of public distribution systems (PDS) in ensuring food availability to marginalized sections of society.
Poverty, unemployment, and rural-urban disparities that impact food access for large segments of the population.
Food Security and Nutrition:
How nutritional inadequacies and imbalanced diets contribute to chronic health problems like stunting, wasting, and anemia.
The impact of poverty and gender inequalities on food security, especially for women and children.
The relationship between food security and health—how malnutrition leads to poor health outcomes.
Agricultural Policy and Food Production:
The role of agriculture subsidies, irrigation, and crop insurance in supporting food production.
The challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation on food security in India.
Sustainable agriculture practices and technology innovations that can contribute to food security.

The right to food and freedom from hunger re-emerged during 1990s. The historical World Food Summit was held in Rome in 1996, in which 185 countries participated and signed the ‘Rome Declaration on World Food Security’ which reaffirmed the right of everyone to have access to safe and nutritious food. Consequently, the right to adequate food is recognized as a fundamental human right. This book attempts to examine the penetration of various government food security schemes like PDS, ICDS, MDM, MGNERGS, in the selected villages in addition to the capacity of the agriculture and allied sector activities to meet the livelihood requirements of the rural populace. This study reveals the level of awareness of the beneficiaries about the government sponsored schemes and programmes meant for development implemented in these areas.