UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Q4 — Food security
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Explain
- Scope keywords
- role of milletsensuring healthnutritional securityIndia
- Implicit sub-parts
- What specific nutritional properties (macro/micronutrients) make millets 'superfoods' compared to fine cereals?
- How do millets address the 'triple burden' of malnutrition in India (undernutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiency)?
- What is the link between millet cultivation and sustainable food security in the context of climate change?
- Briefly identify government initiatives that leverage millets for health outcomes.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on the 'climate resilience' or 'agrarian' benefits of millets without linking them back to human health/nutrition.
- Generic listing of millets (Jowar, Bajra) without explaining their specific medical benefits like Low Glycemic Index or high fiber content.
- Neglecting to mention the Indian context, specifically the National Food Security Act or PDS diversification.
- Spending too many words on the history of the 'International Year of Millets' rather than the scientific 'role' they play.
- Dimensions required
- Biochemical/NutritionalTherapeutic/Public HealthSocio-economic/AffordabilityPolicy/Institutional framework
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to defining millets as 'Nutri-cereals' and their composition; 60 words to specific health roles (diabetes, anemia, gut health); 40 words to the 'Security' aspect (PDS, Mid-day meals, and accessibility); and 20 words for a forward-looking conclusion on mainstreaming them.
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