Crises are a usual scene in an economy. But one that is global and affects the world at large, is a threat. The food crisis is a black mark on globalization. Bringing the world closer, globalization has become a reason, small though, in creating probably one of the greatest dangers to the human race. The major by-product of food crisis, the price inflation is apparently shrinking the spectrum of luxuries we enjoy. Even developed countries, like the U.S, have got its citizens to budget on food. But budgeting is far better than not being able to manage at least 3 meals a day. Those poverty-stricken, homeless families who have taken shelter in tents and refugee camps are toiling to make ends meet. Man is being deprived of one of his basic necessities-food.

Now, food grains obviously constitute a significant portion of the commodities purchased by common man. Rice and wheat producers like India and China are facing problems and pressures on all sides. The unexpected rains, at first, caused a wreck. The loss was beyond measurement. Farmers were flabbergasted. Their hopes of paying the debts or maybe, thatching the roof, shattered. The government had to stand firm on account of the subsidy providing decision. The developed countries facing the same food crisis and price inflation requested for a release in export duties but were denied. To compensate the release, prices of commodities will have to be raised again. No one has been able to break this vicious cycle satisfying at least one necessity. But blames and criticisms are not depleted. Third world nations have been striving really hard to break the shackles of poverty and the downtrodden image, provide all the citizens the needs of life and share shoulder levels with the developed. The effort has definitely bore fruits. The leaders with resources and a good planning history can surely do a lot more than blaming the middle class of a developing nation on their rate of consumption. Rectifying mistakes are more apt for the situation. Clearing of arable lands for bio fuel production is definitely one good reason why many developed countries do not have cereals of their own. We have had a drastic increase in demand for meat products in the last few years. About double the cereal products are washed down by the poultry members than the consumers demand for their families. The estimation is that 700 calories worth of cereal products are contributed towards developing 100 calories worth meat products which means that 15% of food produced is spent in this direction. Threats to the extinction of exhaustible resources like coal and petroleum have prompted many nations to utilize arable lands for bio fuel farming. 16% of land in America, initially used for cereal farming is now occupied by bio-fuel plants. Many plots of land are left barren in many countries like India. Primarily known as the ‘Land of Agriculture’, it is sympathetic that India is facing grave dangers of food crisis. But surely, we are on the path of industrialization and scientific progress.
‘To err is human’-no doubt, but errors can sometimes be a hindrance to the very root of survival. Around the world 854 million people face hunger and 100 million fell below the poverty line in the past few years. The price of food grains has raised 83% in 3 years and…33 nations have sown seeds of food crisis. This is not a mere census, these are lives amongst us….reminding that this crisis is just a hand away. The first and foremost step of solving the crisis lies in realization. The leaders have to identify themselves with the public. The matter has to be moved from the point of discussion into action. Capitalism should be ignored. Now, it should be just one category-people. Let the plots under any authority or ownership be used for cultivation. Let the commodities be marked only those prices which are affordable, we’ll forget the profits for a while. The irregular distribution is a major factor to be controlled.The FAO and WFP are now raising funds for the farmers to ensure a good harvest next year, providing them with the necessary seeds, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs. This is concentrated in the low-income nations.This step might turn out to be a useful one if carried out well. The GM crops also might help. The government will have to take serious measures against miscellaneous use of arable land. Last but not the least, enlightenment and understanding of the need for a revival is utmost important. Let us not take things for granted. Why not yet another GREEN REVOLUTION?
Adila Matra