Public Distribution System and Food Security: A Case Study of Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu

Kolli Hills is primarily inhabited by the Tribal population whose livelihood depends on the resources in the forest and through farming. The access to the forest to collect resources has been dwindling due to restrictions and various other reasons. Due to unpredictable climatic conditions, which have led to the shift in agricultural pattern, changes in land use and low economic status have made the tribal population dependent on the public food distribution system. Food security is a part of the Human Security paradigm, that concerns the food and nutritional needs of people to strengthen and empower the community towards sustainable development. Understanding the role of public distribution system in safeguarding the tribal people from food insecurities is imperative for addressing the food security challenges. This study is based on primary data collected from three Tribal gram panchayat with structured schedule through purposive sampling. To state briefly, the paper studies the impact Public Distribution system in ensuring food security to the tribals of the study region.