Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 132/23

AUTOMATED GRAIN DISPENSING MACHINE ANNAPURTI LAUNCHED

In a first of its kind in the whole Northeastern region of India, the Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today launched an automated grain dispensing machine, Annapurti here at a Fair Price shop in R. R. Colony, Rynjah, Shillong. The system will ensure timely distribution of food grains as per beneficiaries entitlement and enabling the public distribution system to perform better.

The programme was graced by Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Comingone Ymbon, United Nations World Food Programme Country Director, Ms Elisabeth Faure, officials from the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department among others.

Lauding the efforts of the Department and the WFP, Comingone Ymbon called upon all the stakeholders to rise to the occasion in tackling food security challenges by embracing change for the welfare of the State. He opined on the need for technological interventions in the Public Distribution System (PDS) so that the overall delivery mechanism is continuously improved for maximum efficiency and optimum transparency.

The ATM grain machine aims to ensure exact weighment and dispensation of food grains to NFSA beneficiaries in the State, especially to the inter state and intra state migrant beneficiaries at their convenient time of the day. The machine has a capacity of 200 to 500 kgs, is fully automated, can be operated through an ePOS device, has a 99.99 percent accuracy and 40 percent reduction in wait time. The Annapurti machine has significant potential for food based safety nets, ensuring that the beneficiaries receive their monthly subsidized grains promptly. The machines precision and reliability prevent losses and ensure individuals receive their entitled portions. During emergencies, such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises, it can facilitate efficient and timely distribution of food grains to the affected population. The automated system streamlines the process, reducing dependency on manual labour and minimizing errors. 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.

The machine with its 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. Annapurti can be integrated with solar panels, inverter batteries and elevators for automatic refilling. This integration enhances sustainability of the system by reducing dependency on conventional energy sources. At the 2022 WFP Innovation Awards, Annapurti was recognized as one of the World Food Programmes top 5 innovative solutions. For a small State like Meghalaya, this initiative and the overall services provided by the Department is a history in making Meghalaya into one of the proactive small States in the country leading from the front in ensuring food security. 

Press Release No. 133/23

EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT HOLDS A SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME ON TB AT SOHRA

The office of the District Tuberculosis Officer, East Khasi Hills District today conducted training and sensitization programme to Traditional Healers on TB elimination at Sohra Community Health Centre, Shella Bholaganj Block.

On behalf of this programme, an introduction speech was given by Dr. G. E. Swett (Sub Divisional Medical Officer) SDMO or MOTC Sohra TU. Dr. Swett welcomed all the participants. After the welcoming speech, an action song was given by the students of Women’s College,Shillong BSW 3rd semester related to TB disease, informing the participant on the signs, symptoms and highlights about free testing and treatment at all Government facilities through their action song.

After the Action song, a keynote addressed were given by Dr. B. Shanpru, District Tuberculosis Officer, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong with regards to TB diseases as it is caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease, there are two types of TB disease ie. Pulmonary and Extra Pulmonary. She further explains on the signs and symptoms and encourages the traditional healers to screened the patients according to the following signs ie. cough and fever for two weeks or more, loss of weight, loss of appetite, night sweats, blood stained sputum, chills. She then informed the participants to refer such patients with those symptoms to the nearest health centers for TB Testing for diagnosis and treatment.

Shanpru explained that there are different tests that are used for TB testing like TRUENAAT, CBNAAT, sputum microscopy which are free of cost at all TB Testing Units. She also explained that TB is curable, if the patients take the medication properly and complete the course of treatment. She appeals to all the traditional healers to work and cooperate together with the government so that we can eliminate TB disease and make the country free from TB.

The programme ends with the distribution of certificates to all the Traditional Healers who participated in the programme . On the same day, The Office of Sub Divisional Medical Officer, Sohra held a Program of Reorientation for VHC members on IEC Register or VHC apps at the office of Sub Divisional Officer. Sohra. Also as the way towards TB elimination by 2025 Dr. B. Shanpru sensitized the members of the village health councils on TB Free Villages and announced that the Government will be giving a TB Free Village Certificate and a Mementoes to those villages who will qualify the criteria for the same.