The correct answer is option 1, Kautilya. Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnu Gupta, was an ancient Indian philosopher, economist, and royal advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. He is best known for his treatise, the Arthashastra, which deals with various aspects of governance, economics, and administration.

In the Arthashastra, Kautilya advocated for the implementation of food-for-work programs during times of famine. This concept involved providing food to individuals who were unable to find employment due to the scarcity of work opportunities. The idea behind these programs was to address the immediate need for food and, at the same time, ensure that public infrastructure projects were completed.

By introducing food-for-work programs, Kautilya aimed to counteract the effects of famines by providing relief to those affected and simultaneously stimulating economic activity. This approach was highly innovative for its time and showcased Kautilya`s understanding of the importance of providing a safety net during times of crisis.

Therefore, Kautilya can be credited as the Indian thinker who first spoke of food-for-work programs to mitigate the impact of famines.