This is the first entry in a collection of field commentaries.
In alignment with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 and its flagship Public Distribution System (PDS) program, the Andhra Pradesh State Civil Supply Corporation Limited efficiently distributes fortified rice, sugar, and red gram dal on a monthly basis to two critical beneficiary groups: Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Households.
As one of the most extensive civil supply systems within a district, the PDS engages a diverse range of stakeholders including the farmers who cultivate the grains, rice mills that process them, storage facilities (godowns) that protect the supply, regional distribution points (Mandal Level Stock Points—MLSP) that manage logistics, and local Fair Price Shops (FPS)/Ration Shops that deliver these essentials to the target population.
The PDS not only serves to mitigate the risks of hunger and malnutrition, it also weaves together agricultural and industrial efforts, government administration, logistics, and consumption, culminating in a comprehensive framework aimed at alleviating food insecurity.
Ration shop dealer (FPS) distributing food essentials
However, one must acknowledge that the energy-intensive nature of PDS operations comes with environmental challenges. It is critical that we assess the environmental impact of civil supply systems like the PDS, which in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh alone distributes to and encompasses 30 mandals (or blocks). A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the PDS, through the Life Cycle Assessment approach, is key towards identifying and quantifying the environmental footprints of the PDS, which can in turn lead to institutional change. Insights from such extensive research can serve as the catalyst driving meaningful policy changes towards decarbonization and dismantling practices that harm the environment. While mere data may not propel change, it can steer active engagement, create accountability, and inform corrective measures.
An all-inclusive and robust assessment necessitates high-quality primary data collection across all key stakeholder groups which includes districts, sub-district, village, multi-layered steering plan groups, and more. It was through this primary data collection that we effectively gathered panoptic environmental, energy, and economic data across all life stages of the PDS.
A ration dealer (FPS) engaged in rice grain distribution
What initially seemed like a herculean task, began with the clear mapping and identification of the various stakeholders across the life cycle, from cradle to grave, along with a clear picture of the supply chain of the PDS. While some of the information, such as the number of on farmers/cultivators, the number of rice mills in the district, and the number of rice godowns in the district, was readily available on government portals like district websites, other critical pieces of information were harder to track down.
There was considerable uncertainty regarding the operational existence of Mandal Level Stock Points (MLSPs). It was a critical in-person interaction with an MLSP officer in Palasa that clarified and identified 14 extant in Srikakulam district. These MLSPs, key stakeholders in the PDS life cycle, distribute monthly supplies of fortified rice, sugar, and dal to approximately 1,600 fair price shops for final delivery to beneficiaries.
As we continued to gather background information and build a vigorous questionnaire, persistent and strategic dialogues with the District Supply Officer (DSO) and the District Manager (Civil Supplies) helped secure the permissions that would be critical towards piloting the data collection instruments.
Interaction with District Manager (Civil Supplies) Srikakulam district at DM office
Having identified the six key stakeholder groups within the PDS supply chain: farmer, grain mill owner/representative, godown manager, MLSP in charge, FPS dealer, and beneficiary, we began the process of primary data collection, with in-person meetings. Taking us across Srikakulam into people’s homes, offices, panchayats, meeting halls, and resting stops in between.
But more on the data collection and our interactions with the different stakeholders in the next entry. The second installment of field commentaries coming up soon!
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This blog was authored by Dr. Kanhaiya Lal.
About the author:
Dr. Kanhaiya Lal– Kanhaiya is a consultant at the George Institute for Global Health and a pivotal Project Scientist for the NIHR Global Health Research Centre for Non-Communicable Diseases and Environmental Change. With an impressive track record of over 12 years in environmental science and engineering—seven of which have been dedicated to research and projects following his PhD—Dr. Lal is a leading expert in conducting comprehensive environmental assessments of water, soil, food, and air quality. His impactful work also addresses critical issues such as climate change, health, waste management, and environmental compliance. A prolific contributor to environment and health research, Dr. Lal has authored ten peer-reviewed articles and reviews which have been published in over 25 international journals, making a notable impact in the field and advancing public health through environmental initiatives. Explore his publications is full here…
