Food Security Atlas in Rural Jharkhand

Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the state of food and nutritional security in rural Jharkhand at the district level, examining aspects such as availability, access, and utilization of food, as well as the nutritional outcomes. The study identified regions most affected by food insecurity and provided policy recommendations to improve food security in these areas. The project was part of the SPANDAN initiative, which seeks to understand the linkages between agriculture, nutrition, and health in India.

Methodology: The study built upon the earlier Food Security Atlas of Rural Jharkhand, prepared by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) in 2008-09 with support from the World Food Programme (WFP). The current study revisited food security in the state, focusing on identifying extremely food-insecure districts. Data was analyzed to explore dimensions of food security, such as food availability, access, and utilization, and to assess the nature and dynamics of food security at the district level. The study also involved policy analysis to suggest appropriate interventions for improving food security in rural Jharkhand.

Findings:

• Priority Districts: Out of 24 districts, 14 were identified as priority districts with severe food insecurity, particularly in the Santhal Pargana region, which requires urgent attention.
• Most Food Secure Districts: Districts such as Purbi Singhbhum, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, and Ramgarh were found to be the most food secure. These districts are characterized by industrialization, urbanization, and overall development.
• Multidimensional Poverty and Food Insecurity: Districts with high levels of multidimensional poverty also exhibited high levels of food insecurity.
• Agriculture and Crop Diversification: Jharkhand’s agriculture is predominantly rainfed, with erratic rainfall leading to crop failures. The state has low irrigation coverage and crop diversification, contributing to instability in food production.
• Irrigation and Rainfall Management: Improved irrigation facilities and rain harvesting techniques, such as dam construction and pond renovation under MGNREGA, were recommended to stabilize agricultural production and food security.
• Crop Diversification and Kitchen Gardens: The cultivation of paddy, vegetables, and pulses, along with the promotion of kitchen gardens at both individual and Anganwadi Centre (AWC) levels, was suggested to diversify the food basket and ensure micronutrient availability.
• Access to Food and Employment: Expanding non-farm employment opportunities, increasing casual wage rates, and enhancing involvement in processing non-timber forest products were highlighted as strategies to improve food access. The promotion of millets through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Jharkhand Government’s Millets Mission were also emphasized.
• Utilization and Health Services: Access to basic healthcare, improved sanitation, and drinking water facilities, as well as increased female literacy, were identified as crucial factors for better food utilization.
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Ensuring water and sanitation facilities for the rural population, along with updating technology to improve water access, were recommended for the long-term impact of nutrition programs. Continuous monitoring of the Swachh Bharat Mission was also suggested.
• Policy Convergence: Multisectoral convergence across ministries and departments was deemed necessary for effective delivery and implementation of food security interventions in priority districts.

Policy Recommendations:

• Enhancing Irrigation Facilities: Improve irrigation infrastructure to stabilize agricultural production and ensure food security.
• Rain Harvesting and Crop Diversification: Promote rain harvesting and crop diversification to reduce the impact of rainfall variability and improve food availability.
• Kitchen Gardens and Millets Promotion: Encourage kitchen gardens and the inclusion of millets in the PDS to enhance dietary diversity and nutrition.
• Employment and Non-Farm Opportunities: Increase non-farm employment opportunities and enhance wage rates to improve food access for rural populations.
• Improvement in WASH: Strengthen WASH infrastructure to support the long-term success of nutrition programs.
• Policy Convergence: Ensure multisectoral convergence for effective implementation of food security initiatives in priority districts.

Launch Event:
The Food Security Atlas of Rural Jharkhand was launched on 11 September 2022 in Ranchi by Dr. Rameshwar Oraon, Hon. Minister for Finance and Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Government of Jharkhand. The launch was followed by a panel discussion on enhancing food and nutrition security in Jharkhand.