A rice ATM in Vietnam.

The initiative is part of the Indian Government’s project ‘Annapurti’ that is being implemented in partnership with the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP).

The automatic grain dispensers are scheduled to be set up in five Indian states, namely Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The WFP has been working closely with the Indian government to bring reforms in the Targeted Public Distribution System (PDS).

Karnataka state’s Minister for Food and Civil Supplies K. Gopalaiah was quoted by local media as saying that the scheme will begin as soon as the proposal is passed.

Gopalaiah also revealed that smart cards will be issued, along with the application of a biometric system on the machine to ensure everyone gets a fair share.

The model of “rice ATM” was first released in Vietnam, and has been hailed by the international media and applied in several countries.