Annapurti Grain ATM Scheme

Odisha has launched India's first 24/7 grain dispensing machine, the Annapurti Grain ATM, aimed at revolutionising the Public Distribution System (PDS) for ration cardholders.

Inaugurated by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, this automated system is installed at a warehouse in Mancheswar and developed in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). 

Updated On - 05 Sep 2025
Animated CTA

What is Annapurti Grain ATM? 

Annapurti Grain ATM is an automated grain dispensing machine designed to distribute food grains efficiently under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. Developed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), this system functions similarly to a bank ATM but dispenses grains like rice, wheat, and pulses instead of cash.

Annapurti Grain ATM Working and Features Infographic

About Annapurti Grain ATM

The Annapurti Grain ATM, developed by the World Food Programme India, is an automated grain dispensing system designed to enhance the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS). 

Key Features of Annapurti Grain ATM 

Mentioned below are the key features of the Annapurti Grain ATM: 

1. Universal Access - Any ration cardholder in India, regardless of state or union territory, can access their entitled grains. 

2. Fast & Efficient - Dispenses up to 50 kg of grains in just five minutes, reducing waiting time by 70%. 

3. Multi-commodity Dispensing - Provides rice, wheat, and other grains with high precision after biometric authentication. 

4. Seamless & Consistent Access - Ensures beneficiaries receive their full ration without manual intervention. 

5. Energy Efficient & Modular - Designed for easy assembly and low energy consumption, with the option to connect to solar panels for automatic refilling. 

How Odisha's First' Rice ATM' Operates

Mentioned below is the process of how the Annapurti Grain ATM operates:  

1. Dispensing Process - The machine efficiently distributes up to 50 kg of rice within five minutes, maintaining a minimal error rate of 0.01%. 

2. User Access - Beneficiaries enter their ration card number on a touchscreen, undergo biometric verification (fingerprint or iris scan), and, upon successful authentication, receive their allotted rice (up to 25 kg). 

Benefits of Annapurti Grain ATM

The benefits of the Annapurti Grain ATM is mentioned below: 

1. Reduced Waiting Time - It eliminates long queues at traditional ration distribution centres. 

2. Enhanced Security - It minimises theft and black marketing in the food distribution system. 

3. Improved Accuracy & Speed -It ensures precise weighing and reduces wait times by 70%. 

4. 24/7 Availability - It allows beneficiaries to collect rice at any time.

Expansion & Energy Efficiency of Annapurti Grain ATM

1. Initial Launch - First introduced in Bhubaneswar, with plans to expand across all 30 districts of Odisha. 

2. Future Integration - Potential nationwide rollout under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme

3. Energy-saving Design - Consumes just 0.6 watts per hour and supports solar panel connectivity for automatic refilling. 

4. Easy Installation - Designed for seamless setup in various locations. 

Additional Reforms & Enhancements of Annapurti Grain ATM

1. Eliminating Ghost Ration Cards - Over 16 lakh fraudulent ration cardholders have been identified and removed, ensuring genuine beneficiaries remain unaffected. 

2. Aadhaar-based Verification - Implementation of e-KYC to enhance transparency. 

3. New Initiatives - 

  1.  Individual ration cards for those separating from parental households. 
  1. Home delivery services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 
  1. Special biometric solutions for beneficiaries facing fingerprint recognition issues.

Statewide Expansion Plans of Annapurti Grain ATM

Following the launch, the government announced plans to install Grain ATMs in all districts of Odisha. This initiative aims to eliminate delays caused by Public Distribution System (PDS) dealers, ensuring beneficiaries receive their food grains quickly and without hassle. 

Simplified Access for Beneficiaries of Annapurti Grain ATM

Ration cardholders can now obtain their entitled food grains by simply entering their Aadhaar or Ration Card number and completing biometric authentication. This automated and user-friendly process ensures that beneficiaries receive their full quota seamlessly. 

Annapurti Grain ATMs Collaboration with the World Food Programme

Developed in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), this initiative strengthens nutritional security in Odisha. The Grain ATM operates 24/7, dispensing rice or wheat, ensuring a consistent and reliable food supply for residents. 

This innovative food distribution system marks a transformative step in ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for PDS beneficiaries across Odisha.

FAQs on Annapurti Grain ATM

  • Where was India's first Grain ATM launched?

    Odisha launched India's first 24/7 Grain ATM in Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar. The initiative was inaugurated by Odisha's Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra. 

  • Who can use the Annapurti Grain ATM?

    Any ration cardholder in India under the PDS system can use the Grain ATM, regardless of their state or union territory. 

  • What types of food grains can be dispensed?

    The machine can dispense rice, wheat, and pulses based on the beneficiary's ration entitlement. 

  • How energy-efficient is the Annapurti Grain ATM?

    The Grain ATM consumes just 0.6 watts per hour and can be connected to solar panels for automatic refilling, making it an energy-efficient solution. 

  • Is the government planning to expand Grain ATMs across India?

    Yes, Odisha plans to install Grain ATMs in all 30 districts, and there are potential nationwide expansion plans under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme. 

Disclaimer
Display of any trademarks, tradenames, logos and other subject matters of intellectual property belong to their respective intellectual property owners. Display of such IP along with the related product information does not imply BankBazaar's partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or issuer/manufacturer of such products.