Design And Implementation of Public Distribution System Using Blockchain

The persistent issue of food grain wastage due to inefficient storage, transportation, and management at Fair Price Shops within the Public Distribution System (PDS) demands innovative solutions. A decentralized PDS model utilizing blockchain technology is proposed to enhance transparency and accountability in the supply chain. Blockchain provides precise monitoring across food grain procurement, transportation, and storage processes, yielding valuable insights into potential areas of wastage and facilitating efficient auditing. Enhanced traceability within this system helps minimize wastage, detect suspicious activities, and streamline auditing and record-keeping in the food supply chain. The adoption of blockchain fosters a culture of accountability and responsible practices while introducing automation to the distribution process. Additionally, blockchain's proven capabilities in improving food traceability address existing challenges related to system reliability, scalability, and accuracy. Integrating blockchain with IoT further strengthens data integrity and boosts efficiency. Examples such as blockchain-enabled crop insurance and platforms like AgroChain demonstrate its potential to transform agriculture through increased transparency, efficiency, and trust. However, challenges like scalability, energy consumption, and infrastructural constraints need to be addressed for widespread implementation. The evolution of the PDS, particularly under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the National Food Security Act (NFSA), underscores the need for enhanced supply chain management to ensure food security. Blockchain technology offers a promising approach to improving the reliability, accountability, and efficiency of the PDS, promoting the equitable distribution of essential goods.