Regional differences pose challenges for food security policy: a case study of India

Authors

Renuka Mahadevan, University of Queensland
Sandy Suardi, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

97736

Publication Details

Mahadevan, R. & Suardi, S. (2014). Regional differences pose challenges for food security policy: a case study of India. Regional Studies, 48 (8), 1319-1336.

Abstract

This paper examines factors affecting the calorie gap by considering the risk of calorie inadequacy or excess at the tails of food intakes. Non-linear estimations accounting for rural/urban differences in more and less developed states allow for policy-making on two levels. First, the calorie gap was found to respond differently depending on the calorie status of the individual, to various socio-economic characteristics, social assistance programmes, as well as caste and religion. Second, these impacts depended on rural/urban differences and at other times on the development of the states. These findings pose significant challenges towards achieving a balanced regional food security policy.