Status of Food Security in Andhra Pradesh-An Economic Analysis

The present study aimed at studying the food security situation with respect to macro, socio-economic and consumption factors prescribed by FAO and to develop a policy prescription for attaining food security in Andhra Pradesh. The results revealed the problem of calorie deficiency, the declining per capita consumption, increase in the non-farming population in Andhra Pradesh, stagnant value addition by agriculture in total GDP, reduced purchasing power, declined access to food in rural areas, increased flexibility available with the government to spend on welfare programmes to increase availability, access and absorption and consequently on food security. Inequality in consumption expenditure, the alarming increase in general price level, the diversion of agricultural land to other nonagricultural uses reduced public investment in irrigation when compared to private investment were identified.