Composite Index for Measuring Sustainability of Food Systems in Punjab

The present study makes an attempt to develop a composite index to measure sustainability of food systems. By assuming three components of food systems, namely availability, access and utilization, the data were utilized on 19 indicators pertaining to these components over the period 1970-71 to 2009-10. The values of overall index showed a marked and continuous improvement in the sustainability of food systems in Punjab. Still about one-third of the districts showed the potential for improving the availability component and the access to food could be improved in one-fifth of the districts of the state. While the availability can be improved by reducing the yield gaps, generation of additional employment opportunities can help in increasing access to food through enhanced incomes. Improvement in literacy and health services will also improve the utilization of food.