Grains for all: UP promotes food security through technology, nutrition and strong procurement systems

uttar pradesh Efforts are being stepped up to enhance food security in the state while ensuring timely payment of farmers for their produce. Government data shows a combination of technology-driven distribution, nutritional support and direct procurement is being used to reach millions of beneficiaries across the state.The Public Distribution System (PDS) remains at the heart of the state’s approach. About 150 million eligible beneficiaries received 5 kilogram Free food grains are provided every month, while providing 35 kg to the most vulnerable Antyodaya families. Antyodaya ration card holders will also get 3 kg of sugar every quarter at a price of Rs 18 per kg. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has expanded the distribution basket to provide 1 kg of pulses, 1 liter of cooking oil and 1 kg of salt free of charge to all card holders.To increase transparency and eliminate leakage and “ghost beneficiaries”, distribution centers have deployed electronic point-of-sale (e-PoS) machines. These use biometric verification to ensure benefits reach intended beneficiaries and prevent leakage or duplication.Governments have also moved towards nutritional security. Since 2023-24, all ration card holders have received fortified rice rich in iron, vitamin B-12 and folic acid to address malnutrition and anemia. Besides, the state’s Ujjwala Yojana has provided over 18.6 million free LPG connections with two free cylinders Holi and Diwali for cleaner cooking.Between 2017-18 and 2025-26, Uttar Pradesh procured 45.7 million tonnes of paddy with a payment of over Rs 88,951 crore and 24.4 million tonnes of wheat with a payment of over Rs 45,935 crore. Small quantities of coarse grains were also procured: 470,000 tonnes of Bajra, with a payment of over Rs 458 crore; and 130,000 tonnes of maize, totaling over Rs 262 crore.Inclusion of coarse grains such as Bajra, maize and Jowar in procurement is part of the state’s efforts to expand the range of crops procured from farmers.The ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme implemented in May 2020 allows beneficiaries to access food grains across states, helping more than 6.7 million UP card holders. To improve distribution infrastructure, the government is building modern affordable stores called annapurna Bhavans, 7,439 buildings have been completed and 1,772 buildings are under construction. one Budget For this purpose, Rs 200 crore has been allocated for the financial year 2025-26.