SOCRATES

Since independence, food security has been a key concern for Indian policymakers, consistently shaping public policy. Effective policies require the synergy of good governance and social inclusion, but market-driven price policies often exclude the vulnerable. India’s low global hunger index ranking and high undernourishment rates highlight the need for a robust Food Safety Network. India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) plays a crucial role, encompassing procurement, storage, and distribution to provide essential grains at subsidized rates to eligible recipients. Over time, the system has evolved through various initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the PDS’s importance, proving it to be a necessity rather than a populist measure. However, Indian agriculture faces numerous challenges that affect the PDS’s efficiency. This research delves into the PDS’s evolution, exploring its connection to agricultural struggles and the ongoing debate surrounding Minimum Support Price (MSP).