ROLE OF PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ON FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN RURAL AND URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN ODISHA

This study substantiates the role of public distribution system in food security by evaluating the expansion of the state-run food aid program in the state of Odisha, India. Over the years, percentage of households’ consumption of rice, wheat and sugar from PDS has been increasing whereas there has been a decrease in consumption of kerosene from 2009-10 to 2011-12. Comparisons of rural and urban households of Odisha, show that rural households hold a major share in PDS consumption of all items except for wheat. Also, majority of the rural households possess ration cards whereas majority of the urban population do not possess. In rural Odisha, calorie intake has seen moderate improvement from 1995 calories per capita in 1972-73 to 2116 calories per capita in 2011-12. Intake of fat has also increased significantly from 8 per cent to 24 per cent during the same period whereas protein intake has remained stagnant. Thus, provision of pulses and protein-rich foods through PDS can improve the situation. The overall study suggests that the PDS has positively impacted the households food security in the region, however, it does not entirely meet the adequate calorie requirements. KEY WORD: PDS, Food Security, Per-Capita Calorie, Odisha,