Food Security in India Class IX CBSE Question Bank with MCQs, Short, Long and Assertion and Reason Type Question With Answers

 

Food Security in India

A. 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Food security means:
A. Availability of food only
B. Availability, accessibility and affordability of food
C. Production of food only
D. Import of food grains
✅ Answer: B

2. Which of the following is NOT a dimension of food security?
A. Availability
B. Accessibility
C. Affordability
D. Exportability
✅ Answer: D

3. A famine is characterised by:
A. High prices only
B. Excess production
C. Widespread deaths due to starvation
D. Good rainfall
✅ Answer: C

4. The most devastating famine in India occurred in:
A. 1965
B. 1943
C. 1975
D. 1983
✅ Answer: B

5. The Bengal Famine killed approximately:
A. 5 lakh people
B. 10 lakh people
C. 20 lakh people
D. 30 lakh people
✅ Answer: D

6. Food security depends largely on:
A. Private traders
B. PDS and government action
C. Foreign aid
D. NGOs only
✅ Answer: B

7. Chronic hunger is caused due to:
A. Seasonal unemployment
B. Persistently inadequate diet
C. Floods only
D. Festivals
✅ Answer: B

8. Seasonal hunger is related to:
A. Fixed salary jobs
B. Crop cycles
C. IT sector
D. Government jobs
✅ Answer: B

9. Buffer stock is maintained by:
A. RBI
B. SBI
C. FCI
D. NABARD
✅ Answer: C

10. FCI stands for:
A. Food Council of India
B. Food Corporation of India
C. Farmers Corporation of India
D. Food Commission of India
✅ Answer: B

11. MSP stands for:
A. Minimum Selling Price
B. Maximum Support Price
C. Minimum Support Price
D. Market Support Price
✅ Answer: C

12. MSP is declared:
A. After harvest
B. Before sowing season
C. During famine
D. After export
✅ Answer: B

13. Green Revolution mainly increased production of:
A. Pulses
B. Sugarcane
C. Wheat and Rice
D. Cotton
✅ Answer: C

14. The Green Revolution began in:
A. 1950s
B. 1960s
C. 1980s
D. 1990s
✅ Answer: B

15. PDS stands for:
A. Public Distribution Scheme
B. Public Distribution System
C. Price Distribution System
D. Private Distribution System
✅ Answer: B

16. Ration shops are also called:
A. Retail shops
B. Fair Price Shops
C. Wholesale shops
D. Private shops
✅ Answer: B

17. Under NFSA 2013, rural coverage is:
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 75%
D. 90%
✅ Answer: C

18. Under NFSA 2013, urban coverage is:
A. 30%
B. 40%
C. 50%
D. 60%
✅ Answer: C

19. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) was launched in:
A. 1997
B. 1992
C. 2000
D. 2013
✅ Answer: C

20. AAY targets:
A. All citizens
B. Poorest of the poor
C. Rich farmers
D. Government employees
✅ Answer: B

21. APS scheme is meant for:
A. Farmers
B. Children
C. Indigent senior citizens
D. Students
✅ Answer: C

22. RPDS was introduced in:
A. 1990
B. 1992
C. 1995
D. 1997
✅ Answer: B

23. TPDS was introduced in:
A. 1992
B. 1995
C. 1997
D. 2000
✅ Answer: C

24. The two components of food security system are:
A. MSP and subsidy
B. Buffer stock and PDS
C. Export and import
D. Farmers and traders
✅ Answer: B

25. Food-for-Work programme was introduced in:
A. 1975
B. 1977–78
C. 1980
D. 1990
✅ Answer: B

26. ICDS was introduced in:
A. 1975
B. 1980
C. 1990
D. 2000
✅ Answer: A

27. Hunger brings about:
A. Wealth
B. Poverty
C. Growth
D. Profit
✅ Answer: B

28. Landless labourers are:
A. Food secure
B. Food insecure
C. Rich
D. Exporters
✅ Answer: B

29. The highest growth of foodgrain production was in:
A. Kerala
B. Punjab
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Goa
✅ Answer: C

30. Procurement of foodgrains is mainly concentrated in:
A. Assam
B. Punjab & Haryana
C. Kerala
D. Tamil Nadu
✅ Answer: B

31. Issue price is:
A. Market price
B. Price at ration shops
C. Export price
D. Import price
✅ Answer: B

32. Yellow card is for:
A. Rich people
B. BPL families
C. Students
D. Farmers
✅ Answer: B

33. The National Food Security Act was passed in:
A. 2000
B. 2005
C. 2010
D. 2013
✅ Answer: D

34. Food security ensures:
A. Only production
B. Only storage
C. Food at all times
D. Only exports
✅ Answer: C

35. High MSP may lead to:
A. Reduced production
B. Diversion to wheat and rice
C. Lower income
D. No impact
✅ Answer: B

36. Overflowing FCI godowns cause:
A. Profit
B. Wastage
C. Employment
D. Export
✅ Answer: B

37. Coarse grains are staple food of:
A. Rich
B. Middle class
C. Poor
D. Traders
✅ Answer: C

38. Seasonal unemployment mainly affects:
A. Teachers
B. Bankers
C. Agricultural labourers
D. Doctors
✅ Answer: C

39. Hunger percentage has:
A. Increased
B. Remained same
C. Declined
D. Doubled
✅ Answer: C

40. The success of Green Revolution was first seen in:
A. Rice
B. Wheat
C. Pulses
D. Maize
✅ Answer: B

41. Subsidy is:
A. Tax
B. Loan
C. Government payment to producers
D. Fine
✅ Answer: C

42. FCI stores grains in:
A. Banks
B. Godowns
C. Shops
D. Schools
✅ Answer: B

43. Which state runs most fair price shops through cooperatives?
A. Bihar
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Odisha
D. Assam
✅ Answer: B

44. Mother Dairy operates in:
A. Mumbai
B. Delhi
C. Chennai
D. Kolkata
✅ Answer: B

45. Amul is associated with:
A. Rice
B. Wheat
C. Milk
D. Sugar
✅ Answer: C

46. Covid-19 impacted food security due to:
A. Excess rainfall
B. Restriction on movement
C. High exports
D. Increased income
✅ Answer: B

47. Entitlement theory was given by:
A. Malthus
B. Adam Smith
C. Amartya Sen
D. Keynes
✅ Answer: C

48. SCs and STs are more prone to:
A. Wealth
B. Food insecurity
C. Exports
D. Surplus production
✅ Answer: B

49. The Green Revolution helped India become:
A. Import dependent
B. Self-sufficient in foodgrains
C. Export dependent
D. Industrial nation
✅ Answer: B

50. The main aim of PDS is to:
A. Increase exports
B. Stabilise prices and provide food at affordable rates
C. Support traders
D. Reduce production
✅ Answer: B

B. 30 Short Answer Questions

(2–3 Marks Each)

1. What is food security?

Food security means availability, accessibility and affordability of food to all people at all times.

2. Name the three dimensions of food security.

Availability, Accessibility and Affordability.

3. What is famine?

Famine is a situation of widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics caused by extreme food shortage.

4. When did the Bengal Famine occur?

The Bengal Famine occurred in 1943.

5. Who gave the entitlement theory of food security?

Amartya Sen gave the entitlement theory.

6. What is chronic hunger?

Chronic hunger is persistent hunger due to inadequate quantity and quality of food over a long period.

7. What is seasonal hunger?

Seasonal hunger occurs due to seasonal unemployment, especially in agriculture.

8. What is buffer stock?

Buffer stock is the stock of foodgrains maintained by the government to meet shortages during emergencies.

9. Which organization maintains buffer stock in India?

Food Corporation of India (FCI).

10. What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

MSP is the pre-announced price at which the government purchases crops from farmers.

11. What is Issue Price?

Issue price is the price at which foodgrains are sold through ration shops.

12. What is Public Distribution System (PDS)?

PDS is a system through which foodgrains are distributed to poor people at subsidised prices.

13. What are Fair Price Shops?

Fair Price Shops are ration shops that sell essential commodities at lower prices.

14. When was RPDS introduced?

RPDS was introduced in 1992.

15. When was TPDS launched?

TPDS was launched in 1997.

16. What is Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)?

AAY is a scheme launched in 2000 to provide subsidised food to the poorest of the poor.

17. What is APS?

Annapurna Scheme provides free foodgrains to indigent senior citizens.

18. When was the National Food Security Act passed?

The National Food Security Act was passed in 2013.

19. What percentage of rural population is covered under NFSA?

75% of the rural population.

20. Name two states with high food insecurity.

Bihar and Jharkhand.

21. Who are most affected by food insecurity?

Landless labourers, SCs, STs, casual workers and poor women.

22. What was the Green Revolution?

Green Revolution was a strategy to increase foodgrain production using HYV seeds and modern techniques.

23. Which crops were mainly increased during Green Revolution?

Wheat and rice.

24. Why is agriculture a seasonal activity?

Because crop production depends on sowing and harvesting seasons.

25. What is subsidy?

Subsidy is financial support given by the government to producers to reduce prices.

26. Why are buffer stocks created?

To meet food shortages during calamities and stabilise prices.

27. What problems are faced in ration shops?

Diversion of grains, poor quality food, irregular opening.

28. What is Food-for-Work programme?

It provides food in exchange for labour work.

29. What role do cooperatives play in food security?

They sell food items at lower prices and help maintain supply.

30. How did Covid-19 affect food security?

It disrupted movement of goods and reduced income, causing food shortages.

C. 20 Long Answer Questions

(5–6 Marks Each)

1. Explain the concept of Food Security.

Answer:

1. Food Security means ensuring food to all people at all times.
2. It includes three dimensions:
• Availability (production, imports, buffer stock)
• Accessibility (food within reach of every person)
• Affordability (people have enough money to buy food)
3. It ensures a healthy and active life.
4. It prevents hunger and famine.

 

2. Explain the causes and effects of Famine.

Answer:

Causes:

1. Natural disasters (drought, flood, earthquake).
2. Crop failure.
3. Poor distribution system.
4. Sudden rise in prices.

Effects:

1. Starvation deaths.
2. Spread of epidemics.
3. Migration of people.
4. Economic and social instability.

 

3. Differentiate between Chronic Hunger and Seasonal Hunger.

Answer:

1. Chronic Hunger is long-term hunger due to persistent poverty.
2. It results from inadequate diet over a long period.
3. Seasonal Hunger occurs due to seasonal unemployment.
4. It is temporary and related to agricultural cycles.

 

4. Explain Buffer Stock and its importance.

Answer:

1. Buffer Stock is the stock of foodgrains maintained by the government.
2. It is managed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
3. It helps in price stabilisation.
4. Ensures supply during calamities.
5. Prevents famine and food shortage.

 

5. What is the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

Answer:

1. PDS distributes foodgrains at subsidised prices.
2. It operates through Fair Price Shops.
3. Beneficiaries include BPL, APL and Antyodaya families.
4. It ensures food accessibility.
5. It controls price rise.

 

6. Explain the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Answer:

1. Enacted in 2013.
2. Covers 75% rural and 50% urban population.
3. Provides 5 kg foodgrains per person per month.
4. Ensures food at subsidised rates.
5. Promotes nutritional security.

 

7. Explain the role of Green Revolution in food security.

Answer:

1. Introduced in 1960s.
2. Used HYV seeds, irrigation and fertilizers.
3. Increased production of wheat and rice.
4. Made India self-sufficient.
5. Reduced dependence on imports.

 

8. Who are more vulnerable to food insecurity?

Answer:

1. Landless labourers.
2. SCs and STs.
3. Casual workers.
4. Migrants.
5. Pregnant women and children.

 

9. Explain Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Answer:

1. MSP is pre-announced by the government.
2. It is declared before sowing season.
3. Ensures income security to farmers.
4. Encourages higher production.
5. Helps maintain buffer stock.

 

10. Discuss the problems of PDS.

Answer:

1. Diversion of foodgrains.
2. Selling poor quality grains.
3. Irregular opening of ration shops.
4. Corruption.
5. Overflowing FCI stocks.

 

11. Explain Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

Answer:

1. Launched in 2000.
2. Targets poorest of the poor.
3. Provides 35 kg foodgrains per family.
4. Highly subsidised rates.
5. Linked with TPDS.

 

12. What steps has the government taken to ensure food security?

Answer:

1. Creation of Buffer Stock.
2. Implementation of PDS.
3. Announcement of MSP.
4. Launch of ICDS.
5. Introduction of Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

 

13. Explain the role of cooperatives in food security.

Answer:

1. Cooperatives sell food at low prices.
2. Help in fair distribution.
3. Support milk and vegetable supply.
4. Reduce exploitation by middlemen.
5. Promote White Revolution.

 

14. Why are some states more food insecure?

Answer:

1. High poverty levels.
2. Low agricultural productivity.
3. Frequent natural disasters.
4. Poor infrastructure.
5. Tribal and remote areas.

 

15. Explain the importance of food security during calamities.

Answer:

1. Prevents starvation.
2. Controls price rise.
3. Provides food from buffer stock.
4. Ensures supply through PDS.
5. Maintains social stability.

 

16. What is Issue Price?

Answer:

1. Price at which foodgrains are sold through PDS.
2. Lower than market price.
3. Fixed by the government.
4. Helps poor families afford food.

 

17. Explain Food-for-Work Programme.

Answer:

1. Provides food in exchange for labour work.
2. Reduces unemployment.
3. Increases income security.
4. Enhances food access.

 

18. How does MSP affect cropping pattern?

Answer:

1. Higher MSP encourages wheat and rice.
2. Farmers shift from coarse grains.
3. Leads to regional imbalance.
4. Causes environmental degradation.

 

19. Explain the two components of food security system.

Answer:

1. Buffer Stock – storage of foodgrains.
2. Public Distribution System – distribution to poor.
3. Together ensure availability and accessibility.

 

20. Why is food security necessary in India?

Answer:

1. Large poor population.
2. Frequent natural disasters.
3. Seasonal unemployment.
4. Prevents hunger and malnutrition.
5. Ensures national stability.

D. 20 Assertion–Reason Questions

(Options for all questions)
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true but R is false.
D. A is false but R is true.

 

1.      Assertion (A): Food security includes availability, accessibility and affordability of food.
Reason (R): Food security means only producing enough food in the country.
✅ Answer: C

 

2.      Assertion (A): Famine leads to widespread deaths.
Reason (R): Famine is caused by severe shortage of food.
✅ Answer: A

 

3.      Assertion (A): Chronic hunger is a long-term problem.
Reason (R): It is caused by persistent inadequate diet due to poverty.
✅ Answer: A

 

 

4.      Assertion (A): Seasonal hunger occurs in rural areas.
Reason (R): Agriculture is a seasonal activity.
✅ Answer: A

 

5.      Assertion (A): Buffer stock is maintained by the government.
Reason (R): It helps in stabilising food prices and meeting shortages.
✅ Answer: A

 

6.      Assertion (A): MSP is announced after harvest.
Reason (R): MSP encourages farmers to produce more crops.
✅ Answer: D

 

7.      Assertion (A): The Public Distribution System distributes food at subsidised prices.
Reason (R): It operates through Fair Price Shops.
✅ Answer: B

 

8.      Assertion (A): The Green Revolution increased wheat and rice production.
Reason (R): It used HYV seeds and modern farming techniques.
✅ Answer: A

 

9.      Assertion (A): Landless labourers are more prone to food insecurity.
Reason (R): They have little or no income and no land to produce food.
✅ Answer: A

 

10.  Assertion (A): The National Food Security Act was passed in 2013.
Reason (R): It aims to provide subsidised food to eligible households.
✅ Answer: A

 

11.  Assertion (A): TPDS introduced differential pricing for poor and non-poor.
Reason (R): TPDS was launched in 1997 to target the poor.
✅ Answer: A

 

12. Assertion (A): AAY targets the poorest of the poor.
Reason (R): It provides 35 kg of foodgrains per family at subsidised rates.
✅ Answer: B

13. Assertion (A): Hunger has declined in India over the years.
Reason (R): Foodgrain production has increased significantly.
✅ Answer: B

 

14. Assertion (A): High MSP may lead to environmental degradation.
Reason (R): Farmers focus more on wheat and rice cultivation.
✅ Answer: A

 

15. Assertion (A): Food insecurity is higher in economically backward states.
Reason (R): These states have high poverty and low agricultural productivity.
✅ Answer: A

 

16. Assertion (A): Ration shops are unnecessary today.
Reason (R): They provide food at lower prices to poor families.
✅ Answer: D

 

17. Assertion (A): Subsidy helps keep consumer prices low.
Reason (R): It is financial assistance given by the government to producers.
✅ Answer: A

18. Assertion (A): Covid-19 affected food security in India.
Reason (R): Movement restrictions disrupted economic activities.
✅ Answer: A

19. Assertion (A): Cooperatives play an important role in food security.
Reason (R): They sell essential goods at lower prices to consumers.
✅ Answer: A

20. Assertion (A): Buffer stock prevents famine during calamities.
Reason (R): Food from buffer stock is distributed through PDS in deficit areas.
✅ Answer: A

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