Food Ministry launches 'Anna Chakra'

Why in the news?

What is Anna Chakra?

It is a tool to optimize the supply chain of food grains under the Public Distribution System in the states.
It is estimated to save about Rs 250 crore in the annual cost of transportation of free wheat and rice for 80 crore poor people.
It has been developed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution in collaboration with the World Food Programme and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer of IIT Delhi.
It uses advanced algorithms to optimize the movement of food grains in the supply chain
- It includes farmers, transporters, warehouses and fair price shops (FPS).

Route optimization- Leveraging algorithms to identify efficient routes, minimizing transportation time and cost.
Integration with Railways and Logistics Platforms - Integration with Railway's Freight Operation Information System (FOIS) and PM Gati Shakti Platform.
- It maps the geographical locations of FPS and warehouses.
Environmental Benefits-
- Route optimization from FCI warehouses to ration shops has reduced the distance by 15-50%.
- Reduction in transportation related emissions leads to reduced carbon emissions.
- It reduces carbon footprint, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
It is a positive step to use technology to prevent leakage and save the government exchequer

Established – 1961
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
By the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization.
It saves lives in emergencies and uses food aid to build a path to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the effects of climate change.