CBSE Class 9 Economics Important Questions - Chapter 4 Food Security in India

1. What is food security? Why is it needed?

Ans: Food security means that everyone has enough food to eat at all times. It involves making sure that food is available, people can access it, and they can afford it. Food security is important because it helps prevent hunger and malnutrition, which can affect people’s health and productivity. When food security is in place, it supports a healthy population and a stable society. Without it, people might face food shortages, high prices, and poor nutrition, leading to significant social and economic issues.

2. How is food security affected during a calamity?

Ans: During a calamity, like floods or earthquakes, food security can be seriously disrupted. Disasters can destroy crops and food storage, causing shortages and driving up prices. Transportation and supply chains might also be affected, making it hard for people to get food. In these situations, emergency help is often needed to provide food and support affected communities. This helps them recover and restore their food security.

3. Who suffered the most during the famine?

Ans: During a famine, the most affected are usually poor and vulnerable people. These individuals often have fewer resources and less access to food. Poor families, small farmers, and landless workers struggle the most, as they cannot afford high food prices or access to help. Children, the elderly, and those with health issues are also at higher risk of severe malnutrition and hunger. Famine can deepen existing inequalities and make recovery more difficult for these groups.

4. What factors influence food security? Name two.

Ans: Food security is influenced by several factors. Two important ones are:

• Availability: This is about having enough food in the market. It depends on factors like crop yields and farming practices.

• Accessibility: This means people must be able to get the food they need. It is affected by income levels and food prices.

Both factors are essential for ensuring that everyone has access to enough food.

5. What is the full form of NHFS?

Ans: The full form of NHFS is the National Family Health Survey. This survey collects data on health and nutrition across families in India. It covers various aspects, such as family planning, health conditions, and child nutrition. The data from NHFS helps in assessing the health status of the population and in planning and implementing health policies and programs. It is a key tool for improving public health.

6. Which groups of people are more prone to food insecurity?

Ans: Certain groups are more prone to food insecurity, including:

• Low-income families: They often struggle to afford enough food due to limited financial resources.

• Rural populations: Those living in rural areas may have limited access to food because of poor infrastructure and fewer markets.

• Children and elderly: These groups are at higher risk of malnutrition and need additional support for their nutritional needs.

These groups face greater challenges in securing sufficient food.

7. Write a short note on the Green Revolution.

Ans: The Green Revolution was a major increase in food production starting in the 1960s. It introduced high-yielding varieties of crops and modern farming techniques. This led to a significant rise in food output, helping to reduce hunger and improve food security. It also brought new technologies to farming, such as better seeds and fertilizers, which increased crop yields and transformed agricultural practices.

8. Define the term Public Distribution System. Mention any two benefits of the system.

Ans: The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a government program that distributes food and other essentials at lower prices to people in need. Two benefits of the PDS are:

• Support for low-income families: It provides affordable food to those who might otherwise struggle to buy it.

• Price stability: It helps control food prices and prevent large fluctuations in the market.

The PDS helps improve food access for those who need it most.

9. Explain what is buffer stock.

Ans: Buffer stock is a reserve of food grains kept by the government to manage shortages and control prices. By maintaining this reserve, the government can release food into the market during times of shortage. This helps prevent sudden price hikes and ensures that food remains available to everyone. Buffer stock helps in maintaining food stability during crises.

10. What are the three kinds of ration cards?

Ans: In India, there are three types of ration cards:

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card: For the poorest families, offering highly subsidised food.

• Below Poverty Line (BPL) card: For lower-income families, providing access to subsidised food.

• Above Poverty Line (APL) card: For higher-income families, offering some assistance but less than BPL.

These cards help distribute food based on economic status.

11. State the reason why the Food Corporation of India purchases food grains from the farmers.

Ans: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) buys food grains from farmers to:

• Maintain a buffer stock: This helps stabilise food prices and ensure availability during shortages.

• Support farmers: By purchasing their produce, FCI provides a guaranteed market and fair prices, helping farmer's livelihoods.

This system helps manage food security and price stability.

12. Write a note on the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Ans: The National Food Security Act, of 2013, aims to provide affordable food to a large part of the population. It ensures that essential food grains are available at subsidised prices to those in need. The Act covers vulnerable groups and aims to reduce hunger and malnutrition. It also focuses on improving food distribution systems to make sure benefits reach those who need them most.

13. Differentiate between seasonal hunger and chronic hunger. Which factors cause seasonal hunger? Mention any two.

Ans: Seasonal hunger occurs at specific times of the year due to temporary food shortages. Chronic hunger is ongoing and results from long-term issues like poverty. Factors causing seasonal hunger include:

• Crop cycles: Food may be scarce between harvests.

• Income variation: Changes in work or wages can affect food access.

Seasonal hunger is temporary, while chronic hunger is a long-term issue.

14. Describe the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

Ans: The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a scheme that provides highly subsidised food to the poorest families. It aims to ensure that these families have enough food to meet their daily needs. The scheme focuses on helping those who are most vulnerable, reducing hunger and improving their quality of life.

15. What are the roles of cooperatives in food security in India?

Ans: Cooperatives help in food security by:

• Pooling resources: They collect resources from members to support both farmers and consumers.

• Distributing goods: Cooperatives provide food and essentials at reasonable prices, ensuring effective distribution.

They enhance food access and support local agriculture.

16. Agriculture is considered a seasonal activity. Why?

Ans: Agriculture is seasonal because crops are grown and harvested at specific times of the year. Each crop has its growing season, and agricultural activities depend on seasonal weather patterns. This means that farming activities and food availability vary throughout the year.

17. What is a subsidy?

Ans: A subsidy is financial support from the government to lower the cost of goods or services. For agriculture, subsidies help reduce the cost of seeds and fertilizers, making them more affordable for farmers. They also help reduce the price of essential items for consumers, making goods more accessible.

18. How is food security ensured in India? Which states are more food insecure?

Ans: Food security in India is supported through:

• Public Distribution System (PDS): Provides subsidised food to low-income families.

• Buffer stocks: Maintains reserves of food to manage shortages and control prices.

States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are more food insecure due to high poverty and inadequate infrastructure affecting food access.

19. What happens to the supply of food when there is a disaster or a calamity?

Ans: During a disaster or calamity, the food supply often gets disrupted. Disasters can destroy crops and food storage, leading to shortages and higher prices. Transportation and supply chains may also be affected, making it difficult for people to get food. Emergency help is usually needed to support affected communities and help restore food security.

20. What has our government done to provide food security to the poor? Discuss any two schemes launched by the government.

Ans: The government has implemented several schemes for food security, including:

• National Food Security Act (2013): Provides subsidised food to a large number of people, aiming to reduce hunger and malnutrition.

• Public Distribution System (PDS): Distributes essential food items at lower prices to low-income families.

These schemes are designed to improve food access and support those in need.

21. What are the problems with the functioning of ration shops?

Ans: Ration shops often face issues such as:

• Corruption: Mismanagement and dishonest practices can lead to inadequate distribution of food.

• Lack of proper infrastructure: Some shops may not have the facilities to store food properly or handle large numbers of beneficiaries.

These problems can affect the efficiency and reliability of the Public Distribution System.

22. Write a note on fair price shops.

Ans: Fair-price shops are outlets that sell essential goods at subsidised rates to people in need. They are part of the Public Distribution System and aim to provide affordable food to low-income families. These shops help in stabilising food prices and ensuring that necessary items are accessible to those who cannot afford market prices. They play a key role in supporting food security.

23. Mention the revolution that was brought about by Amul.

Ans: Amul brought about the White Revolution, which significantly increased milk production in India. This movement transformed the dairy industry by promoting cooperative dairy farming and improving milk production and distribution. It helped in making milk and dairy products more accessible and affordable, improving nutrition and supporting the livelihoods of dairy farmers.

24. What is the main goal of the National Food Security Act, of 2013?

(a) To make food more expensive

(b) To give cheap food to eligible families

(c) To close some ration shops

(d) To support private food businesses

Ans: (b) To give cheap food to eligible families

25. What does the Public Distribution System (PDS) do in India?

(a) To sell more food abroad

(b) To give food and other basics at low prices

(c) To increase farmers' income

(d) To control prices in cities

Ans: (b) To give food and other basics at low prices

26. Which scheme provides very cheap food to the poorest families in India?

(a) Mid-Day Meal Scheme

(b) National Food Security Act

(c) Antyodaya Anna Yojana

(d) Integrated Child Development Services

Ans: (c) Antyodaya Anna Yojana

Important Topics of Class 9 Economics Chapter 4 Food Security in India

Here are key topics from Chapter 4 of Class 9 Economics focuses on the nature and impact of poverty. It helps students understand its causes, effects, and possible solutions.

Benefits of Learning with Class 9 Economics Chapter 4 Important Questions

• Learning about food security helps students see why everyone needs access to enough food.

• Knowing how food is distributed shows how communities handle food supply.

• Understanding how buffer stocks work teaches how food shortages are managed during emergencies.

• Learning about laws like the National Food Security Act reveals efforts to reduce hunger and make food affordable.

• In Food Security In India Class 9 Important Questions and Answers, knowing about different kinds of hunger helps students understand and talk about solutions to food problems.

Conclusion

Studying the Important Questions for Class 9 Economics Chapter 4 on Food Security in India helps students understand how food is made available and affordable for everyone. This knowledge is useful for dealing with food-related issues and for creating better food security plans. For additional help, check out Vedantu's resources, which offer detailed explanations and practice materials to support your studies. Use the FREE PDF link provided to prepare well for your exams.

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