CBSE Class 9 Social Science: Food Security In India NCERT Solutions

After carefully examining the provided table on Rice Production in the Province of Bengal, it is evident that the production figures do not indicate a severe shortage of rice in the years leading up to and during the famine period (specifically around 1943). For instance, in 1942, production was quite high at 93 lakh tonnes. While the table's 'Total availability' column seems to have some inconsistencies or missing data (showing '00' for several years), the production numbers themselves suggest that rice was being grown in significant quantities. Therefore, the statement that the Bengal famine happened solely because of a shortage of rice production is debatable. Other factors like distribution, access, wartime disruptions, and export policies likely played a more significant role in causing the famine.

Based on the provided table, the year 1941 shows a significant drop in rice production, from 79 lakh tonnes in 1939 and 82 lakh tonnes in 1940 to 68 lakh tonnes. Although the 'Total availability' column is problematic, the sharp decrease in production in 1941 is the most noticeable decline in the given data. This decline was largely attributed to the diversion of resources and production towards the British war efforts during the Second World War.

1. Agriculture is considered a seasonal activity because the growth of crops is highly dependent on specific weather patterns and climatic conditions. Different stages of crop development, from sowing to harvesting, require particular environmental factors. Furthermore, crops need a certain amount of time to mature after planting, which means farming provides employment only during specific periods of the year, leading to seasonal work patterns.
2. Ramu is unemployed for about four months in a year because agriculture is a seasonal activity. During the periods when crops are consolidating and maturing, there is less demand for manual labor in the fields. This off-season leaves agricultural laborers like Ramu without consistent work.
3. When Ramu is unemployed, he actively looks for alternative work opportunities to earn money and support his family. He sometimes finds employment in construction work or other available jobs to make ends meet during the agricultural off-season.
4. Supplementing income in Ramu's family involves various activities undertaken by different family members to increase their total earnings. This includes his wife working part-time as a cleaner for livestock, receiving payment in kind (milk, food, vegetables), and sometimes assisting Ramu in field work. His son Somu also earns a small amount by looking after the Sarpanch's cattle.
5. Ramu faces significant difficulty when he is unable to find work because his family's income is already low and highly dependent on his daily wages. During periods of unemployment, his earnings stop, making it challenging to afford basic necessities like food, leading to hardship and sometimes hunger for his children.
6. Ramu is food insecure during the approximately four months of the year when he remains unemployed due to the seasonal nature of agriculture. During this period, his lack of consistent income prevents his family from accessing sufficient and nutritious food, making them vulnerable to hunger.