Grain ATM

Grain ATM Latest News

Recently, the Bihar state government approved the installation of the first set of three grain ATM machines in Patna as a pilot project.

About Grain ATM

• A grain ATM or Annapurti (meaning “provider of grain”) is an automated machine that dispenses food grains (wheat and/or rice).
• The World Food Programme (WFP) developed the technology behind the machine and has worked in collaboration with the Food Corporation of India and various state governments.

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Key Features of Grain ATM

• It can release 50 kg of grain in five minutes.
• The machines can work 24×7 like ATMs, and can be powered through solar energy.
• They also require internet connectivity to access the PDS database and the individual profile of a Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholder.

Working of Grain ATM

• Once a PDS beneficiary swipes their beneficiary or grain ATM card on a PoS machine, linked to the ration card or to their Aadhar card, the beneficiary is asked to select the grain option and its quantity.
• They must also undergo Aadhar-based biometric authentication.
• The maximum limit of grain disbursement is also specified.
• Once the grain is dispensed, the beneficiary’s PDS data is updated, and a slip is also issued for confirmation and as a physical record.

Source: IE