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Covid-19 pandemic and food security in India: Can authorities alleviate the disproportionate burden on the disadvantaged?

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  • Kaicker, Nidhi
  • Gupta, Aashi
  • Gaiha, Raghav

Abstract

The present study examines covariates of food security and the impact of Covid-19 induced shocks, among households in India using a nationally representative survey. Using a 2SLS panel regression model, we find an important role of incomes, relative food prices, household characteristics, as well as mobility restrictions in response to the rising number of infections in a given region in explaining varying food expenditure shares prior to and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The disproportionate burden of the pandemic induced lockdowns on the disadvantaged and minorities calls for effective action on the part of policymakers to boost aggregate demand, fix supply chains and reduce food price volatility.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaicker, Nidhi & Gupta, Aashi & Gaiha, Raghav, 2022. "Covid-19 pandemic and food security in India: Can authorities alleviate the disproportionate burden on the disadvantaged?," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 44(5), pages 963-980.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jpolmo:v:44:y:2022:i:5:p:963-980
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2022.08.001
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    Cited by:

    1. Nidhi Kaicker & Aashi Gupta & Raghav Gaiha, 2024. "Pandemic‐induced income shocks and dietary diversity in India," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 36(1), pages 479-501, January.
    2. Calzada Olvera, Beatriz & Gonzalez-Sauri, Mario & Moya, David-Alexander Harings & Louvin, Federico, 2022. "Covid-19 in Central America: Firm resilience and policy responses on employment," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 44(6), pages 1280-1295.
    3. Wang, Yahui & Yang, Aoxi & Li, Yuanqing & Yang, Qingyuan, 2023. "Effect of e-commerce popularization on farmland abandonment in rural China: Evidence from a large-scale household survey," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    4. repec:ags:aaea22:335641 is not listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Covid-19; India; Food expenditure shares; Household; Two-stage least squares;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • C36 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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