Food Security in India

Landless agricultural laborers, Traditional artisans, Casual laborers, Petty self-employed workers

Food insecurity affects those with unstable incomes and limited resources. Landless laborers, traditional artisans, casual workers, and petty self-employed people often lack steady income, making them vulnerable to food insecurity. Large landowners and government employees typically have more stable incomes.

Buffer Stock, Public Distribution System

India's food security system has two main components: Buffer Stock (grain reserves maintained by government) and Public Distribution System (network of ration shops). These work together to ensure food availability and accessibility.

Ration shops or Fair Price Shops

PDS operates through government-regulated ration shops (also called Fair Price Shops) that sell essential commodities like foodgrains, sugar, and kerosene at subsidized prices to eligible families with ration cards.

Antyodaya cards, BPL cards, APL cards

There are three types of ration cards: Antyodaya cards for the poorest of the poor, BPL (Below Poverty Line) cards for families below poverty line, and APL (Above Poverty Line) cards for all others. Each has different subsidy levels.