Food Security to Nutritional Security: Kerala’s Progressive Approach

Adv. G.R. Anil

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies

Kerala has transitioned from ensuring food security to focusing on nutritional security through inclusive policies, effective market interventions, and consumer empowerment for a healthier future.

Kerala, renowned for achieving food security, has successfully tackled hunger across the state. Now, the state has shifted its focus toward ensuring nutritional security for all its citizens. T he government’s commitment is evident through transparent trade practices, consumer empowerment, and efforts aimed at guaranteeing access to safe, nutritious food. With a clear roadmap for its New Kerala initiative, the Food and Civil Supplies Department is taking significant steps forward. Historically, Kerala faced food production challenges, with insufficient food grains to meet its population’s needs. The state had endured food shortages and famine during the World Wars. Despite these difficulties, Kerala has emerged as a hunger-free state, a defining achievement for the Kerala model of development. This success reflects strong governance, proactive policies, and unwavering determination. T he journey towards food security began in the 1960s when Kerala, as a food-deficit region, introduced the Public Distribution System (PDS). The PDS, which started with rationed food grain distribution, became a model for the nation. However, the central government’s introduction of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) led to restricted ration benefits for the poorest and most vulnerable sections. T he National Food Security Act of 2013 formalized this shift, leaving 57% of the population outside the ration system. In response, Kerala expanded the benefits to include non-priority sections, ensuring that no one was left behind.

Ration Cards for All

One of Kerala’s landmark achievements is the ‘Ration Card for All’ initiative. This ensures that even the most marginalised groups, including the homeless, have access to subsidised food. By linking ration cards with Aadhaar authentication, the state issued 520,563 new cards. Additionally, about 7,992 cards were allocated to welfare institutions for children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, increasing the total number to 28,666 for such institutions. Ration cards were also extended to transgender individuals and homeless people, further reflecting Kerala’s commitment to inclusivity. Migrant labourers from other states also benefit from Ration Rights Cards, ensuring they have access to their entitled food supplies while residing in Kerala. Kerala has also expanded its mobile ration shops network, reaching remote regions, tribal areas, forest KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 43 KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 43 settlements, and labour colonies. These mobile units, currently numbering 137, ensure uninterrupted access to food for communities facing transportation challenges. Another initiative, ‘Oppam,’ caters to bedridden individuals, delivering ration supplies directly to their homes via auto-rickshaw drivers. Additionally, 50 ‘Subhiksha Hotels,’ offering nutritious meals for just Rs. 20, have been launched under the Public Distribution Department as part of the Hunger-Free Kerala program.

National Recognition

Kerala stands as the first state in India to achieve 100% Aadhaar linkage of ration cards, a milestone that has improved transparency and reduced ration leakages. The state’s high-quality Public Distribution System was recognized by the Central Government, earning Kerala a certificate of appreciation in December 2024. The state has also excelled in the master verification of priority ration cards, ranking at the top nationwide.

The Chief Minister launched the Direct Selling Marketing Guidelines in February 2024, accompanied by an online registration portal for these companies.

Extensive Market Intervention

Kerala has implemented an unparalleled market intervention strategy through the State Civil Supplies Corporation (SUPPLYCO). This network ensures market stability and protects consumers from price fluctuations.

SUPPLYCO

SUPPLYCO 1,634 outlets 915 Maveli Stores 588 Supermarkets 6 Hypermarkets 88 Medical Stores 13 Petrol Pumps 3 LPG Outlets 21 Mobile Maveli Stores Since May 2016, SUPPLYCO has kept the prices of 13 essential goods unchanged, providing them at nearly half the market rate. While recent nationwide price hikes prompted a subsidy rate adjustment, the state government continues to provide these goods with a subsidy of about 35%, ensuring accessibility and affordability for the public.

High Procurement Price for Paddy

particularly in the procurement of paddy. The state procures about six lakh metric tons of paddy annually, which is processed into rice and distributed through the PDS. By combining the central government’s support price with an additional state bonus, Kerala offers the highest paddy procurement price in the country.

Consumer Protection

In terms of consumer protection, Kerala has made significant strides. The government has upgraded the infrastructure of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRC), enabling quicker resolution of complaints. Mediation cells are now present in all districts, and the introduction of the ‘e-Dakhil system’ allows consumers to file complaints online, making the process more accessible. The state has also launched ‘Darpanam’, a mobile exhibition initiative designed to increase consumer awareness. Kerala’s consumer policy, which promotes consumer rights and sustainable practices, sets a benchmark for the rest of the country. To foster awareness, consumer clubs have been established in schools, and awareness programs are being conducted in colleges. The state has also reopened and upgraded CDRC buildings in Idukki, Palakkad, and Kottayam to improve accessibility.

Legal Metrology

Kerala has enhanced the quality and accuracy of its legal metrology services by launching advanced calibration laboratories for thermometers, flow meters, sphygmomanometers, and water meters at the Ernakulam Central Laboratory. The state is in the final stages of securing NABL accreditation for its Gold Assaying Laboratory in Ernakulam. The government has also improved public accessibility by upgrading the ‘Sutharyam mobile application’, allowing traders to submit applications and fees online for the stamping of weighing and measuring instruments. Additional initiatives, such as the ‘Jagratha project’ (focused on compliance in commercial establishments) and the ‘Kshamatha project’ (monitoring fuel stations for accuracy), ensure consistent quality standards across various sectors.

Modern K-Stores

ration shops into modernized K-Stores. These stores now offer additional services, such as mini-banking, utility bill payments, and products from public sector enterprises, agricultural departments, and industrial sectors. With plans to expand to 2,500 K-Stores, these outlets have already recorded transactions worth Rs 11.5 crore. K-Stores also provide clean drinking water for just Rs 10 and distribute ragi flour to promote the nutritional benefits of millets.

Ration cards were also extended to transgender individuals and homeless people, further reflecting Kerala’s commitment to inclusivity

Direct Selling Marketing Guidelines

To regulate multi-level marketing and direct selling companies, Kerala has established a new monitoring authority. The Chief Minister launched the Direct Selling Marketing Guidelines in February 2024, accompanied by an online registration portal for these companies. A consumer awareness video was also released to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with such companies.