RELEASED in 1997, the book is a compilation of papers that were presented at a national conference, Panchayati Raj - the key to food security and nutrition, organised in India from July 2-3, 1996. The conference was held as part of India's preparatory process for the World Food Summit held in Rome from November 13-17, 1996.

Food security is defined as access to all, at all times, to the food needed for an active and healthy life. Food security envisages three basic issues