Given below are some statements regarding famines in India.

Statement I: Famines were caused only by insufficient foodgrain production.

Statement II: Continuing poverty and malnutrition increased vulnerability to famine.

Statement III: Inadequate transportation and communication facilities contributed to famine conditions.

Statement IV: Variations in rainfall could affect the occurrence of famines. identify the correct statements.

Statement II, III and IV only

The correct answer is Option 1: Statement II, III and IV only.

Statement I: Famines were caused only by insufficient foodgrain production. Incorrect. The concept of ‘failure of entitlements’ shows that famine can occur even when food is available.

Statement II: Continuing poverty and malnutrition increased vulnerability to famine. Correct. Poor populations are less able to cope with food shortages and economic shocks.

Statement III: Inadequate transportation and communication facilities contributed to famine conditions. Correct. Weak infrastructure limited the movement of food and relief supplies.

Statement IV: Variations in rainfall could affect the occurrence of famines. Correct. Agricultural production was vulnerable to fluctuations in rainfall.