What are the relationship between food security and buffer stock in India?

In India, buffer stocking of food grains is conceptually seen as a vehicle to deliver strategic food and agricultural domestic support policies through which the government caters multiple objectives such as providing famine relief, ensuring food security to consumers and providing production incentives to farmers.

What is the objective of buffer stock?

A buffer stock scheme is an attempt to use commodity storage for the purposes of stabilising prices in an entire economy or, more commonly, an individual (commodity) market.

Why are buffer stocks of food grains maintained by the government?

Buffer stock of food grains in the Central Pool is maintained by the Government of India (GOI) / Central Government for meeting the prescribed minimum buffer stock norms for food security, monthly release of food grains for supply through Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS).

What are the issues of food security?

The main threats to food security are (1) world population growth, (2) the increase demand for food, (3) food price, (4) the disappearance of the variety of agricultural plant species (4) the increase in the area of scarcity water and the limitation of the availability of land and (5) the food losses and food waste.

Why is buffer stock important?

It helps to maintain food supplies and avoid shortages. It is possible the government could make a profit from a buffer stock scheme. If it buys during a glut and sells during a shortage, it can make a profit.

What are the main causes of food insecurity?

Some of the causes of food insecurity include:

• Poverty, unemployment, or low income.
• Lack of affordable housing.
• Chronic health conditions or lack of access to healthcare.
• Systemic racism and racial discrimination.

Why food security is a global issues?

This requirement for food security is set in a reality where unstable food prices triggered by global scale events such as political instability, climate change and fuel shortages have made the challenge of attaining and maintaining global food security even more complex.

What are the disadvantages of buffer stock?

Problems of buffer stocks

• Cost of buying excess supply could become quite high for the government and may require higher taxes.
• Minimum prices and buffer stocks could encourage oversupply as farmers know any surplus will be bought.
• Government subsidy to farmers may encourage inefficiency amongst farmers.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of maintaining a buffer inventory?

The amount of buffer inventory a company maintains may have a material impact on its financial numbers. Maintaining a too-high stock could result in high inventory carrying costs. On the other hand, too little buffer inventory may fail to meet the objective of preserving such stock in the first place.

Why is food insecurity an important issue?

Apart from basic nutrition, food security is linked to economic stability, long-term health, women’s empowerment and the environment. Food security impacts our health – especially children’s. Research reveals that food insecurity can result in ongoing short and long-term health problems.

What is buffer stock in agriculture?

Buffer stock refers to a reserve of a commodity that is used to offset price fluctuations and unforeseen emergencies. Buffer stock is generally maintained for essential commodities and necessities like foodgrains, pulses etc. Buffer Stock Policy of the Government of India (GOI)

What are the disadvantages of buffer stock system?

Disadvantages of Buffer Inventory If the products are perishable or have a shorter shelf life, then keeping the inventory could result in losses. Creating and maintaining a buffer inventory can result in additional overhead costs. Extra inventory also takes up additional space.

What is the main cause of food insecurity?

The most common cause of food insecurity is low income. In 2016, low-income households were 2.6 times more likely than the average American household to be food insecure.

What are the 5 main threats to food security?

The Six Threats to Global Food Security | World Food Day

• Today, October 16, is World Food Day.
• Food Issues.
• Climate change.
• Aging farmers.
• Massive bee die-offs.
• Genetic engineering.
• Soil erosion.
• Land “development”