Bhubaneswar, Mar 11: The Odisha government has decided to expand its innovative Rice ATM initiative to four additional districts — Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, and Dhenkanal — in a move aimed at modernising the public distribution system and improving access to subsidised food grains.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra revealed this in a written reply to a question raised by Goutam Buddha Das, MLA from the Biju Janata Dal, in the State Assembly.

The pioneering Rice ATM, officially known as the Annapurti Grain ATM, was first launched in August 2024 at Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar. It marked India’s first 24-hour automated grain dispensing system under the Public Distribution System (PDS). The machine allows beneficiaries to withdraw their entitled rice at any time using ration card details and biometric authentication, ensuring transparency and eliminating delays often associated with traditional ration distribution through dealers.

Since operations began in July 2024 following its launch, the Bhubaneswar unit has served 20,217 beneficiaries, who together have withdrawn 3,805 quintals of rice.

Officials said the expansion aims to strengthen food security, reduce waiting time for beneficiaries, and introduce technology-driven efficiency in ration delivery across Odisha, with further rollout planned in the coming years.

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