INDIA’S MULTI-LAYERED FOOD SECURITY FRAMEWORK REACHES 81 CRORE CITIZENS

New Delhi, Oct 16, 2025 : India’s food security infrastructure, among the largest in the world, currently serves over 81 crore people, combining nutritional access with technological transparency to ensure no one is left behind. Backed by several flagship schemes, the system is undergoing continuous reform to shift from food availability to nutritional equity.

The government’s strategy integrates multiple schemes under a unified objective — ensuring the availability of affordable, fortified food grains while modernizing the public distribution system through digitization.

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, beneficiaries are entitled to subsidized — now free — food grains. Each Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) household receives 35 kg of grains monthly, while individuals in Priority Households (PHH) are allotted 5 kg per month. Since January 2023, food grains under NFSA have been provided free of cost. The initiative has been extended until 2028, with a total financial outlay of Rs.11.80 lakh crore, entirely funded by the Centre.

To increase production and improve nutritional quality, the government restructured the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) into the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) in 2024–25. Initially launched in 2007–08 to boost output of rice, wheat, and pulses, the mission now includes support for coarse cereals and nutrition-focused interventions. It offers farmers access to modern techniques, certified seeds, and training to enhance both yield and quality.

The rollout of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) has enabled portability of food entitlements across the country. Migrant workers, in particular, have benefited from the ability to access rations in any state. The Mera Ration 2.0 and Anna Mitra apps further enhance transparency, allowing users to view their entitlements, usage, and fair price shop (FPS) records. Currently, nearly 100% of ration cards are digitized, with biometric authentication enabled in over 99.6% of FPS outlets.

A key component of the nutrition strategy is the Rice Fortification Initiative, which mandates iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 enrichment in all rice distributed under major welfare schemes such as PMGKAY, PM POSHAN, and ICDS. The nationwide rollout, backed by Rs.17,082 crore, continues through December 2028.

Parallel interventions through PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) aim to tackle malnutrition among children and women. These schemes provide hot cooked meals to schoolchildren and take-home rations or supplementary nutrition to pregnant and lactating mothers, improving both health outcomes and school attendance.

Procurement and distribution are supported by a robust logistics network operated by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies. As of July 2025, the Central Pool stock stands at over 736 lakh metric tonnes of rice and wheat — well above the buffer norm — ensuring price stability and preparedness for emergencies.

The food security framework is also preparing for a digital upgrade with the upcoming SMART-PDS initiative, expected to be rolled out by December 2025. The program aims to digitize the entire supply chain, from procurement to delivery, further reducing leakage and improving efficiency.