Central Idea

• The recent demonstration of the Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machine, Annapurti, during the ‘National Conference of Food Ministers of States/UTs,’ showcased an innovative solution developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) India.

What is Annapurti?

• Annapurti, also known as the Grain ATM, offers a fast, clean, and precise method of providing subsidized grains to beneficiaries through the Public Distribution System.
• Developed by WFP India, it is an automated multi-commodity dispensing solution that ensures efficient access to commodities like rice, wheat, and grains.
• Beneficiaries can securely access their entitlements through Annapurti following biometric authentication.

Key Features

• Annapurti offers 24×7 access to full entitlements, eliminating spillage, waste, and inaccurate weighing.
• The machine can dispense one or two grain commodities, up to 50 kilograms, within five minutes, with a minimal error rate of 0.01 percent.

Advantages and Potential Applications

(1) Ensuring Food Security:

• Annapurti has significant potential for food-based safety nets, ensuring beneficiaries receive their monthly subsidized grains promptly.
• The machine’s precision and reliability prevent losses and ensure individuals receive their entitled portions.

(2) Emergency Food Grain Distribution:

• During emergencies, such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises, Annapurti can facilitate efficient and timely distribution of food grains to affected populations.
• Its automated system streamlines the process, reducing dependency on manual labor and minimizing errors.

(3) Market Access for Smallholder Farmers:

• Annapurti can play a crucial role in expanding market access for smallholder farmers.
• By offering a reliable and efficient distribution channel, farmers can sell their produce directly to Annapurti, ensuring fair prices and reducing intermediaries.

Sustainable and Modular Design

(1) Energy Efficiency:

• Annapurti is designed to prioritize food security while ensuring efficient energy consumption.
• With a consumption rate of only 0.6 Watt per hour, it offers an environmentally friendly solution.

(2) Modular Design:

• Annapurti’s modular design allows for flexibility and scalability based on available space.
• The storage unit and components can be easily assembled and customized to suit different requirements.

(3) Integration with Renewable Energy:

• Annapurti can be integrated with solar panels, inverter batteries, and elevators for automatic refilling.
• This integration enhances the sustainability of the system by reducing dependency on conventional energy sources.

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