'NAC should address issue of abundance of food'

Right to Food Movement, a network of NGOs favouring a food security law, said the NAC should address issues of abundance of food and efficiency of a public distribution system before finalising the draft on food security Bill.

Citing Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) norms that prescribe 14 kg of cereals, 1.5 kg of pulses and 800 grams of cooking oil for a moderately active adult per month, RFM said in a letter to NAC that present procurement levels and production levels were not sufficient for universal coverage.

“In other words, instead of taking existing procurement levels as a fixed and given constraint, it is important that the forthcoming National Food Security Bill should also act as a means of increasing food production in the country,” a statement issued by RFM said.

It also asked for a ban on export of food items till malnutrition was eradic-ated from the country.