Odisha Government Launches India's First Grain ATM; Know How It Works

While passing by markets, banks, or streets, you must have seen ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) installed so that people can use the cards to easily withdraw money from the bank. But if someone tells you that now you can withdraw grains from one of these machines? Yes, that’s true, and it is now possible in Odisha.

The state government collaborated with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to set up Anupriti, 24-hour grain dispensing machines to ensure food safety. One such grain ATM was inaugurated in Bhubaneshwar on August 9, 2024, by Odisha Minister Krushna Chandra Patra and Deputy Country Director for WFP Nozomi Hashimoto. 

How Will Grain ATMs Boost Food Security?

It is not breaking news that India is grappling with food security and safety issues. Amid this, a statement by the UN read, "The initiative aims to bolster nutritional security under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), with plans to expand the ATM network across the state, ensuring continuous access to essential food grains for the beneficiary."

The central government has also made provisions under NFSA to help 813.5 million beneficiaries, who make up the most vulnerable 67% of the population, with free access to food grains.

The collaboration of WFP with the Odisha government aims to achieve nutritional security in the state. Under the National Food Security Act, these ATMs will allow beneficiaries to withdraw grains 24*7. Anupriti, which is a made-in-India solution, will soon be operated across other Indian states. If the machine is successful in achieving food security in Odisha, it will undergo rampant updates with new feature additions to make it more resourceful for the public as well as the government. The statement reveals that it is going to be a year-long testing run.

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How Do Grain ATMs Function?

The question is how beneficiaries will use these grain ATMs. One needs to consider the fact that most of these people are not tech-savvy, many might not be able to read even. Therefore, these machines will be operated by them using their public distribution system ration card. Once the machines are installed across the country, one nation one ration will apply so that beneficiaries can access free grains no matter where they live.

According to reports, Anupriti can dispense 50kg of grains in just five minutes. Thus, reducing the hassle of standing in long queues, waiting for your turn, and waiting for some more time for the vendor to pack the items on your list. 

The machine also features biometric authentication which will prevent theft of grains by imposters. It is touted to be energy efficient with a modular design. It also comes with an open to connect with solar panels so that these can be automatically refilled.