Indian Journal of Economics and Development
  • Year: 2013
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 3

SAARC for food security of south Asia

Research Scholar, Kurukshetra University, Kuruksetra-1361118 (Haryana). Email: gurpreetkaur349@ymail.com

JEL Classification: D18, F55, I38, O19, N75, Q01, Q17, Q18

Abstract

The present paper is an attempt to study the reasons for recent surge in food prices and also explore the opportunity for SAARC region to collectively resolve the problem of starvation, based on specialization and free trade. The cutting across of political boundaries, based on bio-physical parameters and existing cropping patterns, there are clear cut demarcated agro-climatic zones. For each zone, crop specific common forums for research and development, value addition, and information sharing system need to be set up to cater to the requirements of the entire area. Cooperative efforts on production, marketing, distribution and risk mitigation can help minimizing the food security problem.

Keywords

SAARC, food security, dietary change, marketed surplus