Ericsson and UN WFP provide ICT-based solutions to Odisha

The Government of Odisha has commended Ericsson and WFP Trust for India’s project that uses ICT solutions to streamline the food safety nets. The initiative was launched as a pilot in Odisha last year. As a result of the project, significant efficiencies have been institutionalized in the Paddy Procurement Automation System of the state by integrating it with the TPDS Supply Chain.

An assessment and optimization of the TPDS supply chain was also done, which has showcased the potential of up to 28 percent savings annually in transportation costs to the state government. These interventions and other learnings from the project have been well received by the state government and are now being used for further optimization and integration of the supply chains in all 30 districts across Odisha.

P.K. Mohapatra, Agriculture Production Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, said: “The Government of Odisha is constantly striving to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its food safety nets so that we can reach the maximum number of beneficiaries. We welcome the commitment and support provided by agencies such as the UN World Food Programme to help us achieve the mutual goal of ensuring each family in the state is food secure and well nourished.”

The project learnings and outcomes are being considered for replication and scale up for similar reforms across other states under the guidance of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India.

Amitabh Ray, MD, Ericsson India Global Services, states: “The project is a great example of using technology to enhance farmers’ access to government's system for selling their produce, while enabling more transparency and better governance. This association with WFP is in line with the Government's plan of having a robust ICT solution to manage the TPDS for achieving food security. This project is benefitting millions of people in Odisha.

"The ambitious goal of achieving food and nutrition security can be achieved by joining hands and private sector has a good role to play. WFP is thankful to Ericsson for their consistent and valuable support and partnership. WFP would also like to congratulate the Government of Odisha for their proactiveness and receptiveness to use technology to bring about change and set an example for other states,” added Bishow Parajuli, Representative and Country director, UN WFP."