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.
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
Last updated on February, 2026
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Grain ATM FAQs
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