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.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
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.