Udaan, a prominent B2B e-commerce platform, has announced a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to convert fair price shops into Jan Poshan Kendras. This initiative is designed to not only bolster the financial health of these shops but also enhance the variety of products they offer.

Under this collaboration, Jan Poshan Kendras will gain access to over 3,500 products, spanning essential staples and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), via Udaan’s efficient eB2B platform. Initially, the pilot program has launched in 60 selected fair price shops located in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat. The SIDBI will play a crucial role in facilitating credit facilities for these Kendras, thus empowering them to procure necessary food items and FMCG products.

The aim of this initiative goes beyond a pilot project; if successful, it plans to expand its reach to approximately 130,000 Jan Poshan Kendras, fostering modernization across a wider network. This model stands to significantly enhance the livelihoods of fair price shop dealers, ensuring they can better serve their communities.

In the presence of notable figures such as Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, and Udaan CEO Vaibhav Gupta, this partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to improving public distribution systems within India. By leveraging e-commerce solutions, it promises to revolutionize not just how goods are sold, but also invigorate local economies.