Mancheswar, Odisha, August 10, 2024 – In a landmark move aimed at enhancing food security and modernizing India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), the state of Odisha has launched the country’s first ‘Rice ATM,’ officially named the Annapurti Grain ATM. This innovative initiative, situated in Mancheswar, enables ration cardholders to access rice 24/7 through a fully automated, user-friendly machine.
The Annapurti Grain ATM is a result of a collaborative effort between the Odisha state government and the World Food Programme (WFP). This partnership underscores a significant advancement in the efficiency of grain distribution, addressing long-standing challenges such as accessibility and timely disbursement of rations. The machine operates round-the-clock, ensuring that beneficiaries can withdraw their allotted rice at their convenience, thereby reducing dependence on traditional distribution methods.
Krushna Chandra Patra, the Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, officially inaugurated the ATM, highlighting its potential to transform the PDS. He emphasized that this project marks a critical step forward in ensuring food security for millions, particularly in rural areas where access to essential resources can be limited.
The introduction of the Annapurti Grain ATM represents a pioneering approach in the Indian context, where technology is leveraged to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. This system is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country, furthering the government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to essential food supplies.
