R. LALITHABMIKA* AND B. ANILKUMAR
Post Graduate Department of Economics, Mahatma Gandhi College (Affiliated to University of Kerala),
Thiruvananthapuram-695 004 (Kerala), India
*(e-mail : lalithambika77@gmail.com; Mobile : 75590 87379)
(Received : April 2, 2022; Accepted : April 28, 2022)
ABSTRACT
This article explains the growing importance of Public Distribution System in Kerala and its relationship
with the declining trend of paddy production overtime. For this, the quantity of paddy produced in Kerala
for many years and the number of people who depend on the Public Distribution System were collected.
The important finding of this study was that paddy production in Kerala is declining every year. However,
this study showed that the productivity of paddy had increased with each passing year. Furthermore,
the study showed that there was no significant correlation between paddy production and the number of
people who depend on the PDS. Kerala ranks 31st state in the number of people under the scheme of
targeted public distribution system in India. Thus, it is due to something other than food production.
Individuals sometimes seem to have the illusion that using the public distribution system will affect
their status. Further, it is most important fact that the number of ration shops in Kerala is not less
than other states. This study highlighted the need for the people of Kerala to be more aware of the
public distribution system.
Key words : PDS, production, profitability