Digitalizing Food Security: Nepal’s First Automated “Grain ATM” Debuts in Surkhet

6th February 2026, Kathmandu

In a major leap toward digital governance and food security, Food Management and Trading Company Limited (FMTC) has installed Nepal’s first automated “Grain ATM” outside the capital.

Nepal’s First Grain ATM Installed

Located at the Karnali Provincial Office in Surkhet, this innovative system allows citizens to purchase essential food grains with the same ease as withdrawing cash.

While the central office in Kathmandu (Thapathali) was the first to pilot the technology, Surkhet’s installation marks a critical milestone in bringing automated food distribution to provincial hubs.

How the Grain ATM Works

The Grain ATM is a fully automated dispensing unit designed for speed, accuracy, and convenience. It eliminates long queues and manual weighing errors, providing a seamless experience for customers.

Key Features of the System:

Flexible Quantities: Customers can purchase grains in small to medium quantities, ranging from 1 kg to 20 kg per transaction.

Digital Identification: Users enter personal details directly into the machine’s interface.

Cashless Payments: The system is integrated with mobile banking, allowing users to pay instantly via QR code.

Instant Dispensing: Once the payment is verified, the selected grain is dispensed through an outlet at the bottom of the machine.

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What’s on the Menu?

Initially, the Surkhet unit will focus on two staple items:

1. Rice

2. Lentils

As the technology is new to the region, FMTC office chief Keshavraj Budha confirmed that dedicated staff will be stationed at the machine during the rollout phase to assist Nepalese citizens in navigating the digital interface and QR payment process.

A Boost for Food Security in Karnali

The introduction of the Grain ATM in Surkhet is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a strategic move to modernize the Karnali Provincial Office’s operations. By automating the process, FMTC aims to:

Reduce Human Error: Ensuring every customer receives the exact weight they pay for.

Increase Accessibility: Providing a 24/7-capable distribution model that reduces the need for manual counter hours.

Promote Digital Literacy: Encouraging the use of digital wallets and mobile banking in everyday transactions.

The Future of Automated Distribution

The successful deployment of Grain ATMs in Kathmandu and Surkhet signals a potential nationwide rollout. As Nepal continues to embrace the “Digital Nepal Framework,” such innovations in the public distribution system (PDS) ensure that essential commodities are accessible, transparent, and efficiently managed for all Nepalese people.

For more: Nepal’s First Grain ATM Installed