Kichri Distribution Future Insights by Lotus Ministry Trust

Key Takeaways

• Kichri's versatility and nutritional completeness makes it an ideal solution for food insecurity challenges in rural Bangladesh and beyond

• Lotus Ministry Trust has pioneered efficient distribution models that reach even the most remote communities during crises

• The simplicity of kichri preparation allows for scalable operations even with limited resources and infrastructure

• Technology integration is revolutionizing how food relief organizations track, predict, and optimize their distribution chains

• Community-centered approaches to food distribution create sustainable, dignified solutions rather than temporary relief

Lotus Ministry Proving To Be Revolutionary In Addressing Food Insecurity

LEARN MORE

In the world of emergency food relief, simplicity often delivers the greatest impact. When communities face crisis, the elegant solution of kichri—a humble mixture of rice, lentils, and basic spices—is proving to be revolutionary in addressing food insecurity.

Bangladesh's food security challenges require innovative approaches, and Lotus Ministry Trust has emerged as a pioneer in developing distribution systems that maximize reach while minimizing costs. Their kichri-centered programs demonstrate how traditional wisdom combined with modern logistics can transform relief efforts across rural regions.

The future of emergency food distribution isn't just about providing calories—it's about delivering dignity, nutrition, and cultural appropriateness in one complete package. This is where kichri truly shines in the hands of experienced distribution networks.

Why Kichri Matters: The Power Behind This Simple Meal

Kichri represents more than just sustenance; it embodies a complete nutritional solution in a culturally acceptable form. This one-pot dish combines carbohydrates from rice, protein from lentils, and essential micronutrients from spices like turmeric, creating a balanced meal that addresses multiple nutritional needs simultaneously. For communities facing food insecurity, particularly in Bangladesh where rice is already a dietary staple, kichri provides familiar comfort during crisis situations. Learn more about Bangladesh's food aid operation and how it supports these communities.

The brilliance of kichri lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and basic cooking techniques, relief organizations can quickly scale production even in challenging environments. A single large cooking vessel can produce hundreds of servings, making it ideal for emergency response scenarios where infrastructure may be limited or damaged.

Perhaps most importantly, kichri offers digestive benefits critical during crisis situations. The soft consistency makes it appropriate for all age groups, from infants to the elderly, while the gentle spices support digestive health—a crucial consideration when communities are under stress or recovering from illness.

"When we started distributing kichri, we saw immediate improvements in community health outcomes. People weren't just receiving food—they were receiving complete nutrition in a form their bodies could immediately utilize." —Lotus Ministry Trust Field Coordinator

Lotus Ministry Trust's Kichri Revolution

What began as a small-scale emergency response has evolved into a comprehensive food security initiative under Lotus Ministry Trust's leadership. The organization recognized early that Bangladesh's vulnerable communities needed more than just calories—they needed complete nutrition delivered efficiently and with dignity. Kichri distribution became the centerpiece of their strategy, allowing them to maximize impact while minimizing logistical complexity.

The Trust's approach focuses on more than just delivering food; it emphasizes building local capacity. By establishing community kitchens that produce kichri during emergencies, they've created a sustainable model that can be activated quickly when disaster strikes. These kitchens become rallying points for community resilience, often staffed by local volunteers who gain valuable skills while serving their neighbors.

Through thoughtful innovation, Lotus Ministry has transformed traditional kichri recipes to maximize both nutrition and acceptance. Their culinary teams have developed region-specific variations that honor local taste preferences while maintaining the dish's fundamental nutritional benefits. This cultural sensitivity has proven crucial in ensuring high acceptance rates even among communities receiving food aid for the first time.

Current Distribution By The Numbers

The scale of Lotus Ministry Trust's kichri distribution network reveals both the magnitude of need and the effectiveness of their approach. Currently, they serve over 15,000 meals in a day across 27 distribution points in rural Bangladesh, with capacity to scale to 25,000 meals during acute emergencies. Each distribution center maintains the ability to prepare fresh kichri, ensuring recipients receive maximum nutritional benefit rather than preserved alternatives.

Resource efficiency stands as a hallmark of their operation. Each distribution point operates with remarkable economy, producing complete meals for approximately $0.32 USD per serving—significantly lower than comparable nutrition solutions. This efficiency extends beyond cost to water usage, fuel consumption, and human resources, with each cooking team able to produce up to 500 servings per cooking cycle.

Target Communities Being Served

Lotus Ministry Trust focuses their kichri distribution efforts on communities facing the most severe food insecurity challenges. Priority recipients include flood-affected villages in low-lying regions, where seasonal inundation regularly destroys crops and disrupts livelihoods. These communities, often isolated by damaged infrastructure, receive targeted support through mobile distribution units designed to navigate challenging terrain.

Nutritional Impact On Rural Bangladesh

The nutritional profile of kichri directly addresses the specific deficiencies prevalent in rural Bangladesh. With iron, protein, and complex carbohydrates in one digestible meal, recipients experience immediate energy restoration and long-term nutritional support. Studies conducted by Lotus Ministry Trust show that communities receiving regular kichri distribution for just three weeks demonstrate measurable improvements in hemoglobin levels among women and children—traditionally the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

Beyond the physical benefits, kichri distribution has profound psychological impacts. Food insecurity creates tremendous stress, particularly for parents unable to feed their children. By providing a complete, ready-to-eat meal, the program alleviates this immediate anxiety while allowing families to redirect limited resources toward rebuilding livelihoods rather than daily survival.

Local healthcare providers have become strong advocates for the program, noting decreased hospital admissions for malnutrition-related conditions in areas served by regular kichri distribution. This preventive approach not only improves community wellbeing but reduces strain on limited healthcare resources during crisis periods.

Target Communities Being Served By Lotus Ministry Trust

LEARN MORE

6 Ways Kichri Solves Food Distribution Challenges

Traditional food aid often fails due to logistical complications, cultural rejection, or inadequate nutritional profiles. Kichri elegantly addresses these challenges through its inherent versatility and simplicity. The following advantages make it uniquely positioned as the future of emergency food distribution.

1. Cost-Effective Production

In humanitarian response, every dollar saved means more people served. Kichri's simple ingredient list—primarily rice and lentils—allows for bulk purchasing at favorable prices, reducing per-meal costs dramatically. By utilizing local ingredients whenever possible, Lotus Ministry Trust further reduces expenses while supporting regional agricultural markets. The cooking process itself requires minimal equipment and fuel, making it feasible even in resource-constrained environments where elaborate kitchens would be impossible.

2. Shelf Stability Without Preservatives

The basic ingredients of kichri have naturally long shelf lives, allowing for strategic stockpiling before disaster seasons. Unlike pre-prepared meals that require preservatives or refrigeration, kichri components can be stored safely for months in simple warehousing conditions. When prepared fresh at distribution points, the meal provides maximum nutrition without the chemical additives often found in shelf-stable emergency rations. This natural preservation capability makes kichri particularly valuable in regions where power infrastructure is unreliable.

3. Cultural Acceptance Across Regions

Food aid fails when recipients refuse unfamiliar offerings. Kichri's deep cultural roots throughout South Asia make it immediately recognizable and acceptable to diverse communities. Lotus Ministry Trust has documented acceptance rates exceeding 96% across all demographic groups—significantly higher than many conventional emergency rations. By adjusting spice profiles to match regional preferences, distribution teams ensure that kichri provides not just nutrition but comfort during difficult times.

4. Complete Nutritional Profile

Unlike single-commodity distributions that address only part of nutritional needs, kichri delivers balanced nutrition in one preparation. The combination of carbohydrates, protein, and micronutrients addresses immediate energy needs while supporting longer-term health. For children, pregnant women, and the elderly—groups particularly vulnerable during food crises—this complete nutritional package proves especially valuable. The Trust's enhanced recipes often incorporate additional micronutrients through simple additions like spinach or carrots when seasonally available, further improving nutritional outcomes.

5. Ease Of Preparation

Complex cooking procedures become barriers during emergencies. Kichri's one-pot preparation method allows for mass production with minimal training and equipment. Community volunteers can quickly learn the basic technique and scale production as needed. Even when prepared at home from distributed ingredients, the simple cooking method remains accessible to those with limited culinary experience or facilities. This simplicity ensures consistency across distribution points while allowing for rapid scaling when needs suddenly increase.

6. Adaptability To Local Ingredients

While maintaining its nutritional foundation, kichri easily incorporates locally available ingredients. This adaptability allows distribution programs to support local farmers while reducing transportation costs. When seasonal vegetables become available, they can be incorporated to enhance flavor and nutrition without disrupting the basic preparation method. During the monsoon season, when leafy greens are abundant but markets are disrupted, Lotus Ministry's mobile teams collect these perishables to enhance kichri distributions, preventing food waste while improving nutritional delivery.

Field-Tested Distribution Models

Success in food distribution isn't just about what you serve, but how you deliver it. Lotus Ministry Trust has developed and refined multiple delivery models based on years of field experience across varied geographical and social contexts. These systems prioritize dignity, efficiency, and community ownership rather than creating dependency relationships.

Community Gathering Points System

• Centralized cooking facilities established in accessible locations serving 200-300 households each

• Community leaders help identify recipients and manage distribution queues

• Recipients bring their own containers to reduce waste and logistics

• Cooking demonstrations conducted alongside distributions to teach home preparation

The gathering points model transforms food distribution from a transactional experience to a community-building opportunity. By creating central locations where people not only receive food but also share information and support, the Trust helps strengthen social bonds even during crisis periods. These gathering points often become impromptu community centers where additional services like basic healthcare screenings or children's activities can be offered alongside nutritional support. For more insights on how similar initiatives are addressing food security, check out the Humanitarian Relief Plan for Sri Lanka.

Field evaluations show that community gathering points dramatically improve distribution efficiency—serving up to three times more recipients per hour than door-to-door methods—while reducing the stigma often associated with receiving food aid. Recipients report feeling greater dignity in this approach, particularly when community members themselves participate in the preparation and distribution process.

The Trust has found that rotating distribution locations throughout a community helps ensure equitable access, particularly for elderly or disabled individuals who may have limited mobility. By mapping community demographics before establishing distribution points, teams can strategically position services to reach the most vulnerable populations without requiring long travel distances.

Technology Transforming Kichri Distribution

While kichri itself represents ancient wisdom, its distribution is being revolutionized through modern technology. Lotus Ministry Trust has embraced digital solutions to enhance efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness throughout their operations. These technological integrations have transformed their ability to serve communities precisely when and where needs are greatest.

Digital Tracking From Kitchen To Community

Every batch of kichri produced in Lotus Ministry Trust's kitchens is tracked through a simple but effective digital system that monitors ingredients, cooking times, and distribution points. Field coordinators use smartphone applications to document each stage of the process, creating unprecedented accountability and quality control. This digital trail allows for rapid identification of potential issues and continuous improvement of operations based on real-time data rather than anecdotal feedback.

The system captures critical metrics including preparation time, transportation logistics, and recipient numbers at each distribution point. By analyzing this information, the Trust continuously refines their processes to maximize efficiency without compromising quality. During a recent flood response, this system enabled them to identify and resolve a transportation bottleneck that was delaying deliveries to three communities, reducing wait times by over 60%.

Predictive Analytics For Disaster Preparation

Rather than simply reacting to crises, Lotus Ministry now leverages historical data and weather forecasting to anticipate needs and pre-position resources. Their predictive analytics model combines seasonal flood patterns, population density maps, and infrastructure vulnerability assessments to identify high-risk communities before disasters strike. This proactive approach allows them to stockpile ingredients, prepare cooking teams, and establish distribution protocols before roads become impassable or communications are disrupted.

During the 2023 monsoon season, this predictive capability enabled the Trust to position resources in three districts prior to flooding that subsequently became isolated by road washouts. The communities received uninterrupted nutrition support through the entire emergency period, preventing the malnutrition that typically follows such events. Local government officials have begun incorporating this predictive model into their own emergency response planning, multiplying its impact across the region.

Mobile Alerts For Recipients

Uncertainty compounds the stress of food insecurity. To address this challenge, Lotus Ministry has implemented an SMS-based notification system that alerts registered community members about upcoming kichri distributions. These simple text messages include location, timing, and any special instructions, allowing families to plan accordingly. For communities with limited literacy, voice messages in local dialects provide the same critical information in an accessible format.

This communication system has dramatically improved attendance at distribution events while reducing wasted trips for recipients. The dignity of providing advance notice rather than expecting people to wait indefinitely for aid reinforces the Trust's commitment to respectful service. The system also provides a channel for gathering feedback, with recipients able to respond with simple codes indicating satisfaction or concerns about the distribution process.

Partnership Strategies That Multiply Impact

Lotus Ministry Trust recognized early that sustainable food security requires collaborative efforts across sectors. Their partnership approach has created a multiplication effect, allowing the kichri program to reach far more communities than would be possible through independent operations. These strategic relationships span governmental, corporate, and community sectors, each bringing unique strengths to the distribution ecosystem.

Faith Community Networks

Religious institutions often serve as trusted community hubs even during crises. Lotus Ministry partners with diverse faith communities who provide volunteers, distribution spaces, and community connections that enhance program effectiveness. These partnerships transcend religious boundaries, with Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, and Christian churches all participating in the program based on shared humanitarian values.

Faith leaders help identify particularly vulnerable individuals who might otherwise remain invisible during mass distributions. Their intimate knowledge of community dynamics allows for targeted support that reaches those most in need without creating dependency or disrupting social structures. Additionally, many faith communities contribute financially to the program, helping sustain operations between major funding cycles. For more information on similar initiatives, read about the Bangladesh Food Relief program.

Corporate Sponsorship Models

The business community represents an often-untapped resource for food security initiatives. Lotus Ministry has developed corporate partnership programs that provide companies with meaningful engagement opportunities beyond simple donations. Local businesses contribute ingredients, logistics support, or employee volunteer time while gaining visibility for their social responsibility efforts.

One particularly successful model involves transportation companies "adopting" specific distribution routes, providing vehicles and drivers to deliver ingredients to community kitchens. This arrangement reduces the Trust's operational costs while giving businesses concrete, measurable ways to support their communities. The relationship builds corporate social responsibility portfolios while providing essential services that would otherwise strain nonprofit budgets. Learn more about the Bangladesh Food Relief program.

Building Your Own Community Food Support Initiative

The kichri distribution model pioneered by Lotus Ministry Trust offers valuable lessons for organizations seeking to address food insecurity in their own communities. While specific implementations will vary based on local conditions, the fundamental principles can be adapted to diverse contexts. The following framework provides a starting point for developing your own community-based food security initiative.

Essential Equipment Needed

Successful kichri distribution requires surprisingly little specialized equipment, making it accessible even for grassroots organizations with limited resources. At minimum, each cooking station needs large-capacity cooking pots (50-100 liter capacity), sturdy stirring implements, measuring containers, and a reliable heat source—whether propane burners, wood-fired stoves, or electric cookers depending on local availability. Storage containers for ingredients should be airtight and rodent-proof, with separate containers for rice, lentils, and spices to prevent cross-contamination. For distribution, insulated food carriers maintain proper temperature during transport, while simple ladles and measuring cups ensure consistent portion sizes.

Scaling From 10 To 100 To 1,000 Meals

The beauty of kichri distribution lies in its scalability—the same basic process works whether you're serving a dozen people or a thousand. Begin with a single cooking team preparing 50 meals, focusing on perfecting your recipe and distribution method before expanding.

As capacity increases, add additional cooking stations rather than dramatically increasing batch sizes, as this maintains quality control and creates natural backup systems. When scaling to hundreds of meals, implement a production line approach where specific team members handle distinct tasks—ingredient preparation, cooking, packaging, and distribution—rather than having each person perform all functions. For operations serving 1,000+ meals daily, consider establishing multiple kitchen sites strategically located throughout your service area rather than centralizing all production, as this reduces transportation challenges and creates redundancy in case one site experiences difficulties.

Volunteer Management Best Practices

Volunteers form the backbone of most kichri distribution programs, but their effectiveness depends on thoughtful management. Create clear shift structures with defined responsibilities so volunteers know exactly what's expected during their service time. Develop simple, visual training materials that communicate food safety protocols and portion guidelines without requiring extensive literacy. Establish a team leader structure where experienced volunteers mentor newcomers, creating a sustainable knowledge transfer system that doesn't burden program staff with continuous retraining.

Remember that volunteer motivation extends beyond altruism—people also seek community connection, skills development, and meaningful engagement. Build these elements into your program by creating opportunities for volunteers to advance to leadership roles, learn transferable skills, and build relationships with fellow team members. Regular recognition of volunteer contributions, whether through simple certificates or community celebrations, reinforces the value of their service and encourages continued involvement. For example, Lotus Ministry Trust has effectively incorporated these elements into their programs.

Future Innovations In Kichri Distribution

The basic concept of kichri distribution has proven remarkably effective, but innovative organizations like Lotus Ministry Trust continue to evolve their approaches. Future developments will likely focus on enhancing sustainability, expanding reach, and increasing community ownership of food security solutions. Several promising innovations are already emerging from field experimentation and cross-sector collaboration.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Current distribution often relies on recipients bringing their own containers, but this approach creates challenges during sudden displacement when families may flee without household items. Biodegradable packaging presents a promising alternative, with several organizations experimenting with banana leaf containers, compostable corn-based plastics, and pressed rice-husk bowls. These alternatives provide dignified, convenient service while minimizing environmental impact.

Lotus Ministry is currently testing rice-husk containers that decompose within weeks while providing sufficient structural integrity to transport hot kichri. Initial field trials show 92% recipient satisfaction with these containers, particularly noting the ability to stack them without leakage during transport home. The containers can be produced locally using simple pressing machines, potentially creating complementary livelihood opportunities in communities served by the program.

Future development will likely focus on scaling production of these sustainable containers while further reducing costs. The goal remains finding solutions that meet immediate needs without creating long-term waste management challenges in communities with limited disposal infrastructure.

• Biodegradable banana leaf bowls: Traditional, culturally appropriate, but limited seasonal availability

• Pressed rice husk containers: Good insulation properties, locally producible, moderate durability

• Corn starch-based plastics: Excellent performance, higher cost, requires industrial production

• Recycled paper pulp containers: Affordable, moderately biodegradable, less suitable for liquid portions

• Edible rice flour bowls: Zero waste, limited durability, higher production complexity

The ideal sustainable packaging solution balances immediate functionality with long-term environmental impact, all while remaining economically viable for large-scale distribution efforts. As these technologies mature, they will likely become standard components of responsible food distribution programs worldwide.

Join The Movement: How You Can Help Today

Your Involvement Can Help Expand This Proven Approach

LEARN MORE

The future of kichri distribution depends on engaged supporters who recognize its potential to transform emergency food relief. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer service, or advocacy within your professional network, your involvement can help expand this proven approach to communities still struggling with food insecurity. Visit Lotus Ministry Trust's donation portal to support specific kichri distribution initiatives or contact their volunteer coordinator to explore hands-on involvement opportunities in your region.

For corporate leaders, consider exploring partnership opportunities that align your organization's capabilities with specific aspects of the kichri distribution chain—whether ingredient sourcing, transportation logistics, or technology support. These targeted collaborations often create more meaningful impact than general financial support while providing tangible engagement opportunities for your team.

Frequently Asked Questions

As interest in kichri distribution grows, Lotus Ministry Trust regularly addresses questions from potential supporters, partner organizations, and communities interested in implementing similar programs. The following responses address the most common inquiries about their approach and impact.

These questions reflect real concerns from stakeholders at all levels, from individual donors considering their first contribution to government officials evaluating large-scale implementation. Understanding these fundamentals helps build confidence in the model's effectiveness and sustainability.

What exactly is kichri and why is it ideal for food relief efforts?

Kichri is a traditional South Asian dish made by cooking rice and lentils together with simple spices until they form a soft, easily digestible porridge. Its ideal properties for food relief include complete protein formation through complementary amino acids, extended satiety from the balanced carbohydrate-protein ratio, and cultural familiarity throughout the region. Unlike many relief foods, kichri requires no special preparation by recipients, can be eaten immediately upon distribution, and provides balanced nutrition rather than just calories.

• Complete nutrition: Contains carbohydrates, protein, and micronutrients in one preparation

• Cultural acceptance: Familiar and appreciated across diverse communities

• Digestibility: Soft consistency appropriate for all age groups including infants and elderly

• Ingredient availability: Utilizes staples commonly found in local markets

• Cost effectiveness: Delivers complete nutrition at approximately $0.32 per serving

The simplicity of kichri belies its nutritional sophistication. The combination of rice and lentils creates a complete protein profile containing all essential amino acids—a critical consideration when animal proteins may be unavailable during emergencies. Additional ingredients like turmeric provide anti-inflammatory properties that support immune function during stressful periods, while the cooking process itself makes nutrients more bioavailable than they would be in uncooked alternatives.

For emergency responders, kichri solves multiple challenges simultaneously. Its one-pot preparation reduces equipment needs, the soft consistency makes it appropriate for those with dental problems or digestion issues common during displacement, and its cultural familiarity eliminates the recipient education often required with unfamiliar relief foods. These combined advantages make it an exceptionally efficient solution for acute food insecurity situations.

Medical professionals particularly value kichri's gentle digestibility during disaster recovery phases when gastrointestinal issues often compound nutritional challenges. The dish can be easily modified for specific medical needs by adjusting spice levels or incorporating additional ingredients to address common deficiencies in affected populations.

How does Lotus Ministry Trust identify communities most in need of food support?

Lotus Ministry employs a multi-faceted assessment approach combining data analysis with community engagement to identify priority service areas. Their field teams collaborate with local government officials, healthcare providers, and community leaders to gather information about nutritional status, economic conditions, and existing support systems. This qualitative information is combined with quantitative indicators including recent disaster impacts, market functionality, and seasonal vulnerability factors to create a comprehensive needs assessment. Rather than imposing external definitions of need, the process emphasizes community self-identification of vulnerable households, leveraging local knowledge to ensure assistance reaches those truly requiring support rather than being captured by more visible or connected community members.

Can I donate specifically to the kichri distribution program?

Yes, Lotus Ministry Trust offers designated giving options that allow donors to direct contributions specifically to kichri distribution initiatives. Their online donation portal includes program-specific options, while larger donors can establish agreements targeting specific geographic areas or operational components. The organization maintains program-specific accounting that tracks designated funds from receipt through implementation, ensuring donor intentions are honored throughout the process.

For those interested in maximizing impact, the Trust offers a "sponsor a village" program where contributions of $500 fund a complete distribution cycle for a community of approximately 200 people. These sponsored distributions include both immediate food provision and educational components that strengthen long-term community resilience. Donors receive impact reports documenting exactly how their contributions translated into meals served and individuals reached.

Corporate and organizational donors can explore custom partnership arrangements that align with their specific interests or expertise. These might include ingredient sourcing, logistical support, or technology integration rather than direct financial contributions.

"Our 'Nourish a Village' program allows donors to make a concrete, measurable difference in a specific community. When you sponsor a distribution, you're not just providing meals—you're creating a foundation for recovery and resilience. We've seen entire communities transform after just a few weeks of consistent nutritional support." —Lotus Ministry Trust Development Director

Monthly giving programs provide particularly valuable support by creating predictable revenue streams that allow for strategic planning and program continuity. These "Sustaining Partners" receive special recognition and behind-the-scenes updates on program developments and innovations.

How does Lotus Ministry ensure food safety throughout the distribution process?

Food safety forms the cornerstone of Lotus Ministry's distribution protocol, with multiple safeguards implemented throughout the preparation and delivery process. All cooking team members receive comprehensive food safety training covering proper handwashing, ingredient inspection, temperature management, and safe storage practices.

Preparation areas feature handwashing stations with soap and clean water, while cooking equipment undergoes sanitization between batches. Temperature monitoring occurs at critical control points with simple thermometers ensuring kichri reaches pathogen-killing temperatures during cooking and maintains safe temperatures during holding periods. Distribution timing is carefully managed to minimize the window between preparation and consumption, with batches typically served within four hours of completion to eliminate bacterial growth concerns.

Is the kichri program only active during emergencies or is it ongoing?

While emergency response constitutes a significant portion of Lotus Ministry's kichri distribution, the program operates year-round with varying intensity based on community needs. Their approach distinguishes between acute emergency response during disasters, targeted support for chronically vulnerable populations, and resilience-building initiatives that combine food distribution with nutrition education and cooking skills development. This layered strategy ensures continuity of support while adapting to changing conditions on the ground.

During non-emergency periods, distribution often shifts to bi-weekly or monthly schedules focused on particularly vulnerable demographic groups including pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly. These targeted distributions include enhanced nutritional formulations specifically addressing common deficiencies in these populations. The regular presence in communities, even at reduced levels, allows for rapid scaling when emergencies occur without needing to establish new relationships or logistics channels.