Odisha Govt to Launch Rice ATM in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a groundbreaking initiative to streamline public distribution and enhance food security, the Odisha government announced the establishment of a rice ATM in Bhubaneswar. The ATM is set to become operational within a week, offering a novel way for Public Distribution System (PDS) cardholders to access their monthly rice quota.

Following a high-level meeting, Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra, shared the details of this innovative project. “The ATM will be set up in Bhubaneswar first and later the facility will be extended to all districts,” Minister Patra stated. “Beneficiaries can insert their PDS cards into the ATM machine and receive their monthly quota of rice.”

This pioneering approach aims to improve the efficiency and accessibility of food distribution for beneficiaries, minimizing the inconvenience often associated with traditional methods.

Additionally, Minister Patra announced that the government will procure paddy from farmers at Rs 3100 per quintal starting from the next Kharif season. This move is expected to benefit farmers by ensuring a fair price for their produce, further bolstering the agricultural economy in the state.