M. S. Swaminathan

To ensure food security for all, we should be clear about the definition of the problem, the precise index of measuring impact and the road map to achieve the goal.

Rice, wheat and other grains can help to address protein-calorie under-nutrition. But only attention to horticulture, milk and eggs can help to overcome hidden hunger caused by the deficiency of micro-nutrients like iodine, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B12, etc.

Farming is the riskiest profession in the world since the fate of the crop is closely linked to the behaviour of the monsoon.

Contract farming can be promoted if it is structured on the basis of a win-win situation both for the producer and the purchaser.

Land tenure is key to protecting land rights. The Central and State governments should have accessible systems for registering, tracking and protecting land rights, including customary rights and common property resources.

The loss of land for food security has to be measured not only in quantitative terms but also in respect of land use.