Tamil Nadu Public Distribution System (PDS) and Diabetes Prevention Initiatives

Key facts

• According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)–INDIAB study, the prevalence of diabetes in Tamil Nadu increased from 11.1% in 2008–2010 to 22.7% in 2022–2023.
• The study published in Nature Medicine indicates that the diet in Tamil Nadu is high in carbohydrates at 65% of total calories, while protein intake is 10% compared to the recommended 15%–20%.
• Under the current Public Distribution System (PDS) in Tamil Nadu, a family of five receives 25kg of rice, 1kg of dal, 1 litre of palm oil, and 5kg of sugar every month.
• The article highlights the Karnataka PDS model, which has increased dal allocation and replaced a portion of rice with millets to improve nutritional balance.
• The Horticultural Producers’ Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS) in Karnataka is cited as a model for ensuring market access for farmers and distributing fresh produce through PDS outlets.
• Tamil Nadu currently implements the noon-meal scheme and the school breakfast scheme to support public health and nutrition.
• The ICMR–INDIAB study suggests that a 5% reduction in carbohydrate intake, replaced by plant proteins, can significantly help in preventing diabetes.