Modernising food grain distribution
Annapurti Grain ATM and Public Distribution Modernisation: Annapurti, popularly called the Grain ATM, is an automated grain dispensing system launched to transform India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). It provides 24×7 access to subsidised food grains for beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
Developed by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) India in collaboration with the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Annapurti addresses long-standing challenges of corruption, leakages, and delays in ration delivery.
Static GK fact: The NFSA, enacted in 2013, legally entitles 67% of India’s population to subsidised food grains.
Launch and development
The first Annapurti unit was inaugurated on 9 August 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This pilot project, run jointly by the Odisha government and WFP, marked a turning point in ration delivery reform.
Following Odisha’s success, the system was expanded to states like Gujarat, where the first unit was inaugurated in Bhavnagar on 17 September 2024 by Union Minister of State Nimuben Bambhania. By late 2024, Annapurti was functional in at least six states, with further expansion through 2025.
Static GK fact: The Food Corporation of India (FCI), established in 1965, manages procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains in India.
Key features of Annapurti
Annapurti combines automation and transparency to ensure dignified access to food grains.
- Beneficiaries can authenticate themselves using ration cards or Aadhaar-linked biometrics.
- Each machine dispenses up to 50 kg of rice or wheat within five minutes, cutting waiting time by 70%.
- Operating 24×7, it eliminates the inconvenience of fixed shop timings.
- Machines are linked with FCI digital systems, enabling real-time stock monitoring.
Static GK tip: Aadhaar, introduced in 2009, is the world’s largest biometric ID system, covering over 1.3 billion Indians.
Impact on beneficiaries
The introduction of Annapurti has yielded multiple benefits:
- Transparency by removing middlemen and fake entries in PDS lists.
- Efficiency with faster dispensing and reduced queues.
- Accessibility for women, daily wage earners, and the elderly due to 24×7 operations.
- Empowerment of beneficiaries by upholding dignity and reducing dependence on shopkeepers.
Public recognition and response
In November 2024, UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp visited the Bhubaneswar unit and appreciated Odisha’s efforts. Elisabeth Faure, WFP’s Country Director, praised Annapurti as a milestone in food security innovation.
Public feedback has been largely positive, with social media in 2025 highlighting Annapurti’s role in reducing corruption and queues. Demonstrations by the Food Corporation of India in February 2025 further increased public trust.
Latest status as of October 2025
By October 2025, Odisha was close to achieving district-wide Annapurti coverage, while Gujarat and other states reported smooth functioning. Integration with digital PDS systems is strengthening efficiency, and large-scale rollout is being planned to benefit over 80 crore NFSA and PMGKAY beneficiaries.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Annapurti Grain ATM and Public Distribution Modernisation:
| Topic | Detail |
| First Annapurti launch | 9 August 2024, Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| Developers | UN WFP India and Department of Food and Public Distribution |
| Linked schemes | National Food Security Act (2013), PMGKAY |
| Dispensing capacity | Up to 50 kg in five minutes |
| Operating hours | 24×7, biometric and ration card access |
| Key states | Odisha, Gujarat, six others by late 2024 |
| Gujarat launch | 17 September 2024, Bhavnagar |
| Major recognition | UN officials’ visits and WFP praise in 2024 |
| National coverage target | 80 crore beneficiaries under NFSA and PMGKAY |
| Integration | Connected with FCI digital monitoring systems |
