Food Management and Trading Company (FMTC) has introduced ‘Grain ATM’ in Nepal, the country’s first-ever. The facility has become possible through the World Food Programme (WFP) with support from the Indian government.
The innovative grain ATM is currently in its trial phase in FMTC’s central office in Thapathali, Kathmandu.
Dharma Kumari Rajbanshi, the provincial head of FMTC, the Grain ATM, has been brought into operation with the aim of providing easy, transparent, and technology-friendly services to the consumers. She added that the system is similar to a bank’s ATM, where the consumer can enter the required quantity of food by themselves.
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Nepal’s first Grain-ATM details
The Food/Grain ATM dispenses grains as the customer desires. The customer needs to enter their name, details, and quantity. After this, the outlet generates a bill and dispenses the grain within 5 to 10 seconds. It can provide grain from 1 kg to 20 kg.
For now, there are two containers in the ATM, each with a capacity to hold one metric ton of grains. For its trial phase, only rice is available from the ATM, but the company plans to add more grain items later. An operator operates the ATM and provides the unique digital grocery service.
How to pay?
The grain ATM accepts digital payment. Customers can pay using their mobile banking application to scan a QR code to clear the payment. To ensure customer relief, a weighing machine has been placed near the ATM where the customers can recheck the weight of the grain after it is dispensed.
Expansion plan
At the moment, the Grain ATM is in service at Thapathali, the company’s main office. There is a plan for its expansion in Surkhet soon.
The company says that it will take its future course after receiving feedback and suggestions from the consumers.