Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Food Security and Social Protection in India

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered to have already negatively impacted upon all four dimensions of food security as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The subsequent lockdown in India to restrict social contact and spread of the disease has caused disruption to economic activity and has created widespread unemployment in the informal sector. It is anticipated to give rise to the adoption of coping strategies by the most vulnerable, which is likely to be accompanied by a decline in nutritional status. The bailout package announced in this context is insufficient to meet the needs of Indian citizens. Furthermore, without adequate government support, existing social protection programmes have struggled to adapt to lockdown restrictions. This commentary concludes by advocating extensive investment in social protection in line with other nations, and a shift in focus from feeding schemes and cash transfers to equity, empowerment and defined rights for marginalised groups.