1974 - Planned Families: Food for All | Commemorative Coin

The year 1974 saw the release of the commemorative coin under the development-oriented FAO series, with the theme ‘Planned Families: Food for All.’

The year 1974 marked an important phase in India’s ongoing efforts to promote development-oriented themes aligned with the goals of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Among these initiatives, “Planned Families – Food for All” emerged as a compelling message that captured the country’s socio-economic priorities during a crucial period of growth and transformation.

In the decades following independence, India faced the dual challenge of ensuring food security while managing a rapidly expanding population. The Green Revolution had already begun to reshape agricultural productivity, bringing significant improvements in food grain output. Yet, the benefits of increased production needed to be balanced with sustainable population management to ensure long-term stability.

The theme “Planned Families – Food for All” reflected this reality. It emphasized that a well-planned family structure plays a vital role in ensuring that every individual has adequate access to food, resources, healthcare, and education. By promoting responsible family planning, the message underscored how population stability directly contributes to improved living standards and equitable resource distribution.

The initiative also aligned with India’s broader public welfare campaigns of the time, which encouraged communities to adopt practices that would support a healthier and more sustainable future. It highlighted the understanding that national progress depends not only on agricultural output but also on the capacity to manage population growth wisely.

As part of FAO’s global vision, the 1974 theme reinforced the idea that food security is both a production and population issue, and that achieving harmony between the two is essential for long-term development.

“Planned Families – Food for All” remains a thoughtful reminder of India’s forward-looking approach in the 1970s—a period when the nation sought to strengthen both its agricultural foundation and its social fabric. By advocating balanced growth, the message continues to resonate as a timeless principle for sustainable development and national well-being.