Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 21: Regional Branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) today organised a lecture on Food Security in India, which was delivered by Prof R L Bhat, Head, Department of Economics, Central University of Jammu.
Prof Bhat felt that the food availability does not automatically ensure food security emphasized on complete nutritional security rather than calorie security.
The speaker dwelt on world over reduction of food production and diversions towards production of fuels. Therefore he felt that importing food was not a good alternative as it is expensive and deplete our meager foreign currency reserves. The speaker showed concern over malnutrition among women and children and lamented that it was a pity that people die of starvation even 66 years after Independence.
Dr Bhat expressed his reservations about the ingredients of the Food Security Bill. He expressed his apprehension that cost involved will put pressure on the fiscal health of the economy. Instead he suggested making more investment in agricultural infrastructure and research. The subsidies are not sustainable in long run, he said.
The lecture was followed by a lively interactive session and issues were raised and suggestions made towards devising a better delivery system for implementing Food Security Bill.
Dr Ashok Bhan, chairman IIPA, J&K Regional Branch presided over the function. Vikrant Kuthiala introduced the subject and JB S Johar, secretary, presented the vote of thanks.
A large number of academicians, civil society members and members of IIPA participated in the programme.
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