Grains for all: UP boosts food security with tech, nutrition and robust procurement systems

Uttar Pradesh is ramping up efforts to strengthen food security in the state while ensuring farmers are paid promptly 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 central to the state’s approach. About 150 million eligible beneficiaries receive 5 kg of free food grains each month, while the most vulnerable Antyodaya families are provided 35 kg. Antyodaya ration cardholders also receive 3 kg of sugar quarterly at Rs 18 per kg. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state expanded the distribution basket to include 1 kg of pulses, 1 litre of edible oil, and 1 kg of salt free of cost to all cardholders.

To improve transparency and eliminate leakages and "ghost beneficiaries", electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) machines have been deployed at distribution centres. These use biometric verification to ensure that benefits reach the intended recipients and prevent leakages or duplication.

The government has also moved towards nutritional security. Since 2023-24, all ration cardholders have received fortified rice enriched with iron, vitamin B-12, and folic acid to address malnutrition and anaemia. In addition, the state's Ujjwala Yojana has provided over 18.6 million free LPG connections, with two free cylinders during Holi and Diwali, enabling cleaner cooking.

Between 2017-18 and 2025-26, Uttar Pradesh procured 45.7 million metric tonnes of paddy, with payments exceeding Rs 88,951 crore, and 24.4 million metric tonnes of wheat, amounting to over Rs 45,935 crore. Smaller quantities of coarse grains were also procured: 0.47 million metric tonnes of Bajra, with payments over Rs 458 crore, and 0.13 million metric tonnes of Maize, totalling more than Rs 262 crore.

The inclusion of coarse grains such as Bajra, Maize, and Jowar in procurement is part of the state’s effort to widen the range of crops sourced from farmers.

The “One Nation One Ration Card” scheme, implemented in May 2020, allows beneficiaries to access food grains across states, helping over 6.7 million UP cardholders. To improve distribution infrastructure, the government is constructing modernised Fair Price Shops, called Annapurna Bhavans, with 7,439 completed and 1,772 under construction. A budget of Rs 200 crore has been allocated for the 2025-26 fiscal year for this purpose.

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