Jharsuguda: Odisha's second and India's third 'Annapurti Grain ATM' was inaugurated in Jharsuguda on Thursday. The technology-based system has been launched through a joint initiative of the Odisha government and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
Inauguration Ceremony
The advanced grain distribution system was inaugurated by Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, and Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy. Jharsuguda Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan, WFP-India Deputy Director Nozomi Hashimoto, and senior WFP officials were also present.
Minister's Announcements
Addressing the gathering, Patra said beneficiaries are currently receiving 10kg rice per person, along with an additional 5kg under the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana. The minister announced that the grain ATM system would soon be expanded to district and block levels. He also revealed plans to establish 55 more grain ATMs in the state in the coming days.
Local Demands
Tripathy urged the minister to establish another unit in Laikera block, emphasizing the need for wider coverage.
WFP's Perspective
Hashimoto described the project as a blend of technology, transparency, and humanitarian service aimed at modernizing India's food distribution system. The initiative is expected to streamline the delivery of subsidized grains to beneficiaries, reducing manual intervention and enhancing efficiency.
