Annapurti Grain ATM

Annapurti, also known as the Grain ATM, is an automated grain dispensing machine introduced to strengthen India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). It provides round-the-clock access to subsidised food grains for beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The system was developed by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) India in collaboration with the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, and various state governments. Annapurti seeks to modernise food distribution, enhance transparency, and reduce inefficiencies in ration delivery.

Background and Development

The PDS in India has historically faced challenges such as leakages, corruption, and long queues at fair-price shops. In order to address these systemic problems, Annapurti was conceptualised as an automated mechanism for ensuring efficient, fraud-free, and convenient food grain distribution. The project is closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), aiming to provide equitable and dignified access to food for vulnerable communities.
The first Annapurti machine was inaugurated on 9 August 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in partnership with the state government and WFP. This marked a milestone in PDS modernisation and became a model for other states. Following its success, installations began expanding across multiple regions of India, including Gujarat and other states, with growing emphasis on nationwide adoption.

Key Features

Annapurti is designed as a technology-driven solution that integrates authentication, dispensing, and supply chain management:

• Access and Authentication: Beneficiaries can use their ration card or Aadhaar-linked biometric verification (fingerprint scan) to withdraw grains. The system is universal, meaning any valid ration card from India is accepted, regardless of state.
• Dispensing Capacity: A single machine can dispense up to 50 kg of rice or wheat within five minutes, reducing waiting times by approximately 70% compared to traditional outlets.
• Availability: Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Annapurti eliminates the inconvenience of fixed shop timings and long queues.
• Technology Integration: The system is equipped with real-time inventory tracking, biometric verification, and connectivity with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to ensure seamless supply chain monitoring.

Deployment and Expansion

The deployment of Annapurti has been gradual yet strategic, with both pilot projects and statewide rollouts:

• Odisha: The state pioneered the system, with the first unit in Mancheswar becoming operational in 2024. By September 2025, the Odisha government began installing machines across all districts to achieve full coverage.
• Gujarat: On 17 September 2024, the first Annapurti unit in Gujarat was inaugurated in Bhavnagar by Union Minister of State Nimuben Bambhania. An indigenous version of the machine was installed in the same district by December 2024.
• Other States: By late 2024, Annapurti machines were operational in at least six states, with further units added through 2025. By August 2025, over 50 units were functioning nationwide.
• National Integration: By July 2025, Annapurti was incorporated into broader PDS digital systems, ensuring real-time monitoring of food grain movement and availability.

Impact and Benefits

The introduction of Annapurti has brought significant efficiency gains and social benefits:

• Transparency and Fraud Reduction: Automated authentication ensures elimination of middlemen, leakages, and false beneficiaries, improving accountability in ration distribution.
• Efficiency: Quicker dispensing has reduced queues and waiting times for millions of beneficiaries.
• Accessibility: 24/7 operations provide users with greater flexibility, particularly benefiting women, daily wage workers, and marginalised groups.
• Empowerment: Annapurti has been praised for upholding the dignity of beneficiaries, reducing dependency on fair-price shopkeepers.
• Policy Alignment: It directly contributes to India’s food security agenda and complements UN-WFP’s global hunger eradication efforts.

Public Response and Recognition

The system has received considerable public attention and institutional recognition:

• In November 2024, UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp visited the Bhubaneswar unit, commending Odisha’s efforts in reaching marginalised groups.
• In September 2024, WFP’s Country Director Elisabeth Faure described Annapurti as a “significant milestone” in innovative food security partnerships.
• On social media, particularly in 2025, Annapurti was widely praised for reducing corruption and queues, with strong public demand for nationwide rollout.
• Demonstrations by the Food Corporation of India in February 2025 showcased the ease of operation, further boosting public confidence.

Latest Developments (as of October 2025)

As of October 2025, Annapurti continues to expand, with Odisha nearing full district coverage. Gujarat and other participating states report smooth functioning, with no major disruptions. The integration of Annapurti with FCI’s digital monitoring systems has enhanced efficiency, and plans are underway for large-scale scalability to reach India’s over 80 crore PDS beneficiaries under NFSA and PMGKAY.