In a groundbreaking development for food security and agricultural efficiency, Odisha has launched India’s first grain ATM, named ‘Annapurti.’ This innovative machine was inaugurated by Krushna Chandra Patra, Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, at a special event held at a warehouse in Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar.
The launch was attended by Nozomi Hashimoto, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in India. The Annapurti Grain ATM represents a significant leap forward in the Public Distribution System (PDS), designed to streamline and modernize the distribution of essential food grains, particularly rice.
This new technology enables ration cardholders to dispense up to 25 kilograms of rice through a simple process that includes entering their ration card number on a touchscreen and completing biometric authentication.
Minister Patra highlighted the importance of this development, stating, “Today is a historic day… With this machine, people can easily access their rice at any time. This system simplifies the process and will soon be launched across all districts in the state.” The minister’s remarks underscore the machine’s potential to enhance convenience and efficiency in food distribution.
The Annapurti ATM offers several key advantages:
- 24/7 Access: Beneficiaries can obtain rice at any hour, ensuring continuous access to essential food supplies.
- Efficiency: The machine can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain in just five minutes, significantly reducing waiting times by up to 70%.
- Accuracy: It boasts a remarkable accuracy rate of 99.99%, ensuring precise distribution of grains.
One of the most notable features of the Annapurti ATM is its universal access capability. It allows any holder of a valid PDS ration card to use the machine, irrespective of their State or Union Territory.
This inclusivity ensures that beneficiaries across India can benefit from this advanced distribution system. This pioneering initiative is expected to be replicated throughout Odisha, further strengthening the state’s food security infrastructure.
The Annapurti Grain ATM is a testament to the ongoing efforts to integrate modern technology with traditional food distribution systems, enhancing both efficiency and accessibility for millions of citizens.
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