Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will open rice ATMs in Bhubaneswar within a week.

This was revealed by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare (FS&CW) Minister Krushna Chandra Patra today.

“The state government will open rice ATMs in the capital city within a week. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative in Odisha. The ration card holders can get rice from the ATMs by using their cards,” said the Minister after reviewing the implementation of various schemes and initiatives of the FS&CW Department today.

In subsequent phases, rice ATMs will be opened in all 30 districts of Odisha, added the Minister.

The rice ATMs or Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machines will be opened under the ‘Annapurti’ initiative of the Union Government.

The Annapurti grain ATMs can dispense rice and wheat round-the-clock through biometric authentication.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the implementation of Food Security Act, procurement of crops, cold storage facilities and PDS system in the state.

“We will ensure food security for the vulnerable people in the state. Steps will be taken to protect the consumers from rise in prices of essential commodities,” said the Minister.

According to the Minister, the BJP government in Odisha is committed to buy paddy at a price of Rs 3,100 per quintal from the farmers.