Mr. Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Food Supplies, Consumer Welfare, Science & Technology of the Odisha Government, and Ms. Nozomi Hashimoto, Deputy Country Director of the WFP in India, unveil the Annapurti Grain ATM in Bhubaneswar.
In a landmark development aimed at modernizing food distribution in India, Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar has unveiled the country’s first-ever grain ATM, named ‘Annapurti.’
The cutting-edge grain distribution machine was inaugurated by Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, at a ceremony attended by Nozomi Hashimoto, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in India.
Installed at a warehouse in Mancheswar, the Annapurti Grain ATM is set to revolutionize the Public Distribution System (PDS) by providing 24/7 access to essential food grains. Designed to streamline the distribution of PDS rice, the ATM allows ration cardholders to dispense up to 25 kilograms of rice.
Beneficiaries simply enter their ration card number on a touchscreen display and complete the transaction through biometric authentication. Minister Patra emphasized the significance of the new system, stating,
“Today is a historic day… With this machine, people can access their rice effortlessly and at any time. It represents a significant step towards making food distribution more convenient and efficient. We plan to launch this technology in all districts of the state.”
Annapurti Grain ATM in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
— Odisha’s Food and Supplies Minister Krishna Chandra Patra
The Annapurti ATM not only offers convenience but also enhances accuracy and speed. It can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain within five minutes and boasts an impressive accuracy rate of 99.99%. By reducing waiting times by up to 70 percent, the machine aims to provide a more efficient service for beneficiaries.
In addition to its operational capabilities, the Annapurti ATM provides universal access to anyone with a valid PDS ration card, regardless of their State or Union Territory. This feature ensures that beneficiaries across India can benefit from this advanced distribution system.
The launch of the Annapurti Grain ATM marks a significant advancement in the government’s efforts to enhance the PDS and ensure food security. With plans to extend this model across Odisha, the initiative reflects a commitment to improving the efficiency and transparency of food distribution nationwide.
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