Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced the expansion of its innovative Rice ATM initiative to four more districts: Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, and Dhenkanal. This was revealed by the Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra in a written reply to a question raised by BJD MLA Goutam Buddha Das in the State Assembly.
The pioneering Rice ATM, also known as Annapurti Grain ATM, was first launched in August 2024 at Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar, marking India’s first 24/7 automated grain dispensing machine under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Beneficiaries access their entitled rice through ration card details and biometric authentication, eliminating dealer delays and ensuring transparent, round-the-clock availability.
Since its inception in July 2024 (operations starting post-launch), the Bhubaneswar unit has served 20,217 beneficiaries, who have collectively withdrawn 3,805 quintals of rice. The move aims to enhance food security, reduce waiting times, and modernize ration distribution across the state, with plans for wider rollout.
