Food security in a regional perspective : a view from 'food deficit' Kerala

Abstract

The paper examines the question of food security viz-a-viz food
\navailability and self sufficiency in production. Given the cropping pattern
\nin Kerala it is unrealistic to expect food self-sufficiency. However, through
\na pro-poor public policy regime, Kerala has been able to enhance food
\nsecurity considerably. This situation is currently being challenged as a
\nresult of a shift in policy of the Central Government with regard to the
\nPublic Distribution System in the country. This could lead Kerala to
\naccelerating its fiscal crisis should it decide to continue with the current
\nsystem of food security.
\nJEL Classification: I131; I138; Q18
\nKey Words: Food Security, Kerala State, Public Distribution System,
\npoverty, public policy