In 2013, India’s government took drastic action to address and prevent food security issues that saw almost half its population go hungry. The government introduced the Food Security Act to ensure access to nutritious food, especially in the most impoverished and vulnerable regions. The program provided subsidized food grains, introduced a monetary support system and offered direct cash benefits to those in need.

The National Food Security Act

India’s Food Security Act introduced a new approach to how the government would support its citizens. First, the government aimed to provide large monthly rations of food grains and essential nutrients. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), each individual would receive five kilograms of food grains monthly at subsidized rates. 

Second, the Act prioritized reaching mothers and young children, particularly pregnant and lactating women. Recognizing that these groups were among the most deprived in India, the Act ensured they would receive the necessary nutrition to support children’s early development.

Additionally, children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years were prioritized under the Act, recognizing the critical impact that early nutrition has on a child’s overall development. Ensuring proper access to food during these formative years was essential to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Lastly, the Act provided cash benefits to pregnant women and vulnerable individuals. Maternity cash benefits offered financial support to women who were out of work or displaced due to pregnancy, helping to secure a source of income for their families beyond just food assistance.

Impacts

The Food Security Act achieved significant success in reaching its intended goals. The program reached more than 1.8 million children across eight states, reducing child stunting in India. Similarly, between 63% and 75% of the rural population received some form of assistance under the Act. Overall, more than two-thirds of India’s population benefited from the Act’s provisions.

Beyond its success in outreach and the number of recipients, the Act also significantly impacted the country’s food markets and economy. In 2013, the economic burden of widespread malnutrition was estimated to cost India around 2.5% of its GDP — a substantial loss driven by the lack of nutrition affecting nearly half the population. The Food Security Act helped address this issue.

By ensuring a steady supply of subsidized food, the Act also played a crucial role in stabilizing food prices and protecting the economy from inflation shocks. Previously, agricultural markets faced significant distribution challenges that caused frequent price fluctuations. With government-provided food supplies, food inflation was better controlled, making basic nutrition more affordable and food markets more resilient nationwide.

Final Remarks

India’s Food Security Act was undoubtedly a step in the right direction in addressing the widespread issues of child poverty and food insecurity. It reached much of the population in the most indigent provinces, providing essential nutrition that supported citizens’ well-being and the economy’s strength.

Although some reports highlighted distribution challenges and gaps in reliable data, the available evidence points to a significant success in the fight against hunger. More than a decade later, the Food Security Act has benefited millions since its initial success in 2013.

– Joel Raymer

Joel is based in Derby, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

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