Famine means 'a general scarcity of food grains' of an extreme nature in a particular part of a country. A famine may be caused due to various causes. It is usually caused due to drought, excess of rain or insufficient rainfall. It also follows in the wake of a war, which lays large areas waste in a country. Another cause of famine is the increase in population far in excess of food supply. This is why famine is more common in over-populated lands. For want of food, people are compelled to eat roots of plants and even rotten things. Husbands leave their wives and mothers part with their children; some unable to bear the pangs of hunger, even kill their dear ones before they commit suicide. Epidemics break out because people eat whatever they could get.
In very ancient times, famine was regarded as divine punishment of sinful men. Now-a-days, farmers are being taught improved methods of cultivation with the use of good manures and improved machinery. Population control is another very important way of avoiding famine. In fact, scholars have been giving a serious thought to this problem and their efforts are likely to ease the position to some extent.
When a famine breaks out, it is the duty of the government and people to help the suffering people. The government should open relief camps. The people should raise money and help the famine-stricken people
Famine is a natural calamity beyond the power of man. They can, however, lessen their sufferings if steps are taken before hand.
