People's Democracy

 40 YEARS AGO

The Struggle For Food

The food situation in West Bengal has already become very alarming. The nature of the crisis this year is such that unless immediate action to solve the problem is taken, the situation will get out of hand leading to an unprecedented disaster. The government refuses to recognise the seriousness of the situation and even if it is recognised, its present food policy is incapable of meeting the situation.  

THE price of rice has already risen to Rs 1.50 per kg in many parts of the rural areas --- even Rs 2 in some places. Rice has also become scarce. Similar is the case with other essential articles like mustard oil, vegetables, fish, etc. Crop failure, especially of jute and aus due to drought, has added to the crisis.

Recent reports from Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia and other places indicate that many parts of these districts are on the brink of famine conditions. Starvation and semi-starvation conditions prevail in many areas and death from starvation are also reported.

This callous attitude is not accidental, it is in the very nature of the government’s food policy. This year West Bengal’s food production is 5.6 million tons, the highest reached so far. Taking per capita consumption at eight chataks (about 17 oz.) the total requirement is 6.2 million tons and including the requirement for seedlings it comes to 6.7 million tons. The deficit thus is 1.1 million tons. The fact that a major part of the foodgrains had been left in the hands of big traders and speculators.

It did not take long for bitter experience to show how powerful the grip of these sharks on the food market is. The crisis this yea came earlier than usual and all that P C Sen could do was to express wonder. A major part or the marketable surplus or 1.4 million tons which he had estimated flowed into the hands of the traders and speculators. The government could collect only less than three lakh tons.

The price of rice began soaring from about March and has gone up to such an extent by now that it is beyond the capacity of the majority of the rural population to buy rice.

The strongest food movement has to be built without losing any time if the people are to be saved from this disaster. The movement has to spread out to the entire state and the widest mobilisation should be its aim. Food Committees drawing in all sections of the people have to be set up everywhere.

The most important task of this movement is to force the government to unearth the hoards with the cooperation of the people. Government should be compelled to accept the authority of people’s vigilance committees to dehoard the stocks. As a part of the struggle it is necessary to develop self-help movements so that people come to each other’s help to face distress conditions.

Success of the movement depends primarily on a Statewide campaign on food exposing the government’s callous, pro-monopolist attitude. Until this policy of the government is exposed clearly and the people made to realise the real nature and seriousness of the situation, the movement cannot make much advance. The immediate need, hence, is to enrol volunteers in all parts of the State to launch such a wide movement.   

--- People’s Democracy, August 22, 1965