Raghav Puri, Research Associate at Cornell University, uncovers a game-changing opportunity to make India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) healthier, more sustainable, and improve its impact on livelihoods. Using True Cost Accounting (TCA), he reveals how the heavy reliance on rice and wheat comes at a hidden cost—driving water scarcity, greenhouse gas emissions, and poor nutrition. A shift toward millets, climate-resilient and nutrient-rich grains, could significantly reduce environmental damage, improve diets, and boost incomes for smallholder farmers. By strategically integrating millets into India’s Public Distribution System, India could cut hidden costs by $1.4 billion while building a food system that works better for both people and the planet.

The fourth edition of the Knowledge Exchange Series features pre-recorded expert videos for participants to watch ahead of a 90-minute dialogue session. In collaboration with SAPLING, this series showcases innovative solutions emerging in South Asia, offering practical, actionable strategies to address key challenges at the intersection of agrifood systems, nutrition, and climate change.