Food Security and Renewable Energy Initiatives in Tripura

In December 2024, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi visited Agartala to assess key central schemes aimed at enhancing food security and renewable energy in Tripura. His visit brought into light the government’s commitment to improving food grain storage and distribution, alongside promoting renewable energy projects. Significant developments included the approval for a regional office of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Agartala and initiatives to increase solar energy capacity.

Government Schemes for Food Security

The Government of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana until December 2028. This scheme provides free food grains to 81 crore beneficiaries. In Tripura, around 1.2 lakh MT of rice has been procured under the Decentralised Procurement mode, benefiting approximately 94,000 farmers. Recently, fortified rice enriched with essential micronutrients has been included in welfare schemes, with 1.75 lakh MT distributed in the state for 2023-24.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

The government is promoting renewable energy through schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM. These initiatives aim to enhance solar energy production and reduce reliance on high-cost power sources. As of now, Tripura has increased its solar energy generation from 2.5 MW to over 20.5 MW in just over six years.

Regional Office of FCI

Shri Joshi approved the establishment of a regional FCI office in Agartala. This office will improve food grain storage and distribution efficiency. The state government will identify suitable land for this purpose. This move aims to boost food security in the region.

Public Awareness and Consumer Rights

To protect consumer interests, the government is strengthening consumer commissions. Financial assistance has been provided to state governments, with Tripura receiving Rs. 3.65 crore. The government also promotes awareness about consumer rights, releasing Rs. 40 lakh for this purpose in 2023-24.

Price Stabilisation Measures

The government maintains an onion buffer under the Price Stabilisation Fund to control price volatility. Transportation of onions from Nashik to major destinations in the North-East is now conducted by rail to enhance cost-effectiveness.

Collaboration for Progress

Minister Joshi expressed confidence in continued collaboration with the Tripura government. He emphasised that joint efforts will ensure better opportunities for the people of Tripura, particularly in the realms of food security and renewable energy.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana on food security in India.
2. What are the key challenges in implementing renewable energy projects in North Eastern states? Discuss.
3. Critically discuss the significance of the establishment of regional offices of the Food Corporation of India in enhancing food distribution.
4. Discuss in the light of recent government initiatives, how consumer rights are being protected in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana on food security in India.

1. Provides free food grains to 81 crore beneficiaries, reducing hunger.
2. Enhanced procurement under Decentralised Procurement mode, benefiting around 94,000 farmers in Tripura.
3. Inclusion of fortified rice in welfare schemes improves nutritional intake among beneficiaries.
4. Extended until December 31, 2028, ensuring continued support for food security.
5. Helps in stabilizing food prices and addresses food scarcity during crises.

2. What are the key challenges in implementing renewable energy projects in North Eastern states? Discuss.

1. Geographical challenges, including hilly terrains and remote locations affecting infrastructure development.
2. Lack of adequate financing and investment for large-scale renewable energy projects.
3. Limited awareness and technical expertise among local communities regarding renewable technologies.
4. Intermittent power supply and grid connectivity issues hinder effective energy distribution.
5. Environmental concerns and regulatory hurdles may delay project approvals.

3. Critically discuss the significance of the establishment of regional offices of the Food Corporation of India in enhancing food distribution.

1. Improves efficiency in food grain storage and distribution at the regional level.
2. Facilitates better coordination with state governments for timely procurement and distribution.
3. Enhances local oversight and responsiveness to regional food security issues.
4. Supports the implementation of government schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana effectively.
5. Encourages infrastructure development for food storage, reducing wastage and losses.

4. Discuss in the light of recent government initiatives, how consumer rights are being protected in India.

1. Strengthening of Consumer Commissions to address grievances and enforce rights.
2. Financial assistance provided to states for consumer awareness programs, including Rs. 40 lakh to Tripura.
3. Implementation of the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme ensures portability of food security benefits.
4. Grants for awareness generation about consumer rights encourage informed citizenry.
5. Government initiatives to control price volatility and ensure fair pricing for essential commodities.