Bhubaneswar, Jul 15: Odisha’s Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has addressed concerns regarding the distribution of wheat and rice under the public distribution system (PDS), assuring corrective measures and improved logistics.

Speaking on the wheat issue, Patra clarified that low-quality wheat varieties such as Pokra or Gamura will not be distributed to the public. He explained that the wheat stock had remained unused for a long time due to logistical challenges, including transportation and storage. “The wheat could not be allocated as the process of moving it and storing it in warehouses was incomplete,” he said.

Officials have now been instructed not to distribute wheat if its quality is compromised. A fresh meeting will be held soon to discuss the implementation of a new wheat distribution plan.

On the rice front, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has taken note of Odisha’s concerns regarding the supply of coarse rice. Minister Patra confirmed that he has discussed the issue with the Union Minister, who assured that necessary steps will be taken. Instructions have already been issued to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to facilitate the lifting of rice stocks.

In a significant development, Odisha has launched its first “Rice ATM” to streamline rice distribution. More such ATMs are expected to be set up in other locations based on public response. “If people gradually accept this system, the government will expand it further,” Patra added.

The state government’s proactive approach aims to ensure food quality and accessibility while modernizing distribution mechanisms.

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