Food security is not increasing production alone !
Our country faces the crucial issue of food security though ours is an agricultural economy and this sector is showing improvements. The production of 50 million tonnes in early 1950 has reached the record production of 241 million tonnes in 2010 – 11. But still the condition of the farming community is pitiable.There is an argument for introducing Genetically Modified (GM) crops, which is yet to prove that it can improve yield. Moreover, from the experience of Bt cotton cultivation, it has proved to be a more expensive production process. (Per acre cost comes to Rs.45,000, where as it was less than Rs 10,000 earlier for other varieties).
Based on a study about all these aspects the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture recommended the Government to have a fresh look at these issues. It views that food security does not stop at increasing production, but it must guarantee the access to food for the poorest. Introduction of GM crops also need rethinking according to the Committee. It asks the Government to ensure the food security in the coming years without jeopardising the vast biodiversity of the country and compromising with the safety of human and livestock health.
