Jharsuguda: In a major step towards strengthening food security and ensuring transparent public distribution, 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).
The advanced grain distribution system was inaugurated by Odisha Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Revenue & 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.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment towards ensuring food security and dignity for poor and underprivileged families. He said beneficiaries are currently receiving 10 kg rice per person, along with an additional 5 kg under the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana.
The minister further announced that the Grain ATM system would soon be expanded to district and block levels across Odisha. He also revealed plans to establish 55 more Grain ATMs in the state in the coming days.
Revenue minister Suresh Pujari Said, “Odisha had witnessed severe famine and food crises in the past, but the government is now determined to ensure that no citizen remains hungry. He termed the initiative a revolutionary reform in the public distribution system.”
Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy thanked the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Food Supplies Minister for selecting Jharsuguda for Odisha’s second Grain ATM and urged the minister to establish another unit in Laikera block for the convenience of rural beneficiaries.
WFP India deputy director Nozomi Hashimoto praised Odisha’s efforts and described the project as a blend of technology, transparency and humanitarian service aimed at modernising India’s food distribution system.
