Global Food Safety Initiatives: India's Significant Contribution
India continues to lead the world's largest food-based safety net programs, providing essential food and nutritional support to millions of its citizens. Key to this achievement is the Public Distribution System (PDS), the primary food security program in India, which reaches over 800 million people.
The PDS operates through a network of fair-pricing stores and has undergone digitization and biometric endorsement linked to Aadhaar. This digitization has significantly influenced the release of information in the development cycle, reducing the number of "apparition" recipients and ensuring food grains reach the right people. Moreover, several states have implemented Smart Ration Cards that provide recipients access to their entitlements from any fair-price retailer in the country, essential for traveling laborers and employees.
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), implemented in 2013, entitles approximately 66% of India's population to food grains under the PDS. Under NFSA, recipients are provided with 5 kg of food grains per person at subsidized costs: ₹3 for rice, ₹2 for wheat, and ₹1 for coarse grains.
India's agricultural practices are inextricably linked to its food security programs, with a significant portion of the food grains distributed by PDS originating from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework. However, there are several difficulties with this architecture, including distorting market components and causing natural contamination. To address these issues, India has moved towards a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in some states, where beneficiaries receive cash directly into their bank accounts to purchase food based on their actual needs.
India's leadership in operating the world's largest food-based safety net programs is a testament to its commitment to fighting hunger and ensuring food security. The government's efforts in fortifying staple foods, such as chakki atta (wheat flour), through programs like the PDS, have been crucial in meeting nutrition goals, especially combating anemia.
The Food Safety Mitra program, under the "Eat Right India" initiative, has registered over 62,000 food handlers and conducted tens of thousands of trainings by mid-2025. This program creates a decentralized compliance network that supports last-mile delivery of safe and nutritious foods across urban and rural areas.
India's government has expanded regulatory frameworks, modernized food processing infrastructure, and introduced schemes like PM Kisan SAMPADA, with significant funding toward cold chains, labs, and mechanized clusters, supporting supply chain efficiency and food safety readiness.
India's success in leading the world's largest food-based safety net programs is attributed to its rapid technological advancements. The introduction of Aadhaar-based Authentication has played a significant role in streamlining the distribution process and ensuring food grains reach the intended beneficiaries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched, providing 5 kg of food grains per person for free to over 800 million people. PMGKAY was praised for providing food security to numerous families affected by financial instability and business setbacks.
However, small and insignificant farmers frequently find themselves beyond the MSP's coverage area, limiting their ability to benefit from these strategies. By addressing issues such as inefficiencies in distribution, nutritional diversity, and regional disparities, India can continue to refine its approach and serve as a global model in the fight against hunger.
In conclusion, India's food safety net programs impact hundreds of millions by distributing subsidized safe food staples, fortified products, and nutritional supplements. These efforts align with Sustainable Development Goals, addressing hunger, nutrition, and sustainable production. India's leadership in operating the world's largest food-based safety net programs is a significant step towards achieving these goals and ensuring food security for its citizens.
- India's Public Distribution System (PDS), the primary food security program, has been digitized and linked to Aadhaar, ensuring food grains reach the right people.
- The National Food Security Act (NFSA) entitles approximately 66% of India's population to food grains at subsidized costs, with 5 kg of food grains per person provided.
- To address issues with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework, India has moved towards a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in some states, where beneficiaries receive cash for purchasing food based on their actual needs.
- The Food Safety Mitra program under the "Eat Right India" initiative has registered over 62,000 food handlers and conducts thousands of trainings, supporting last-mile delivery of safe and nutritious foods.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched, providing free food grains to over 800 million people, offering critical food security.
- India's success in leading the world's largest food-based safety net programs is attributed to its rapid technological advancements, such as the introduction of Aadhaar-based Authentication for streamlining the distribution process.
