The bumper crop in India in 2024-25 has highlighted the importance of storage infrastructure in ensuring food security in the country. India is also one of the leaders as foodgrain production reaches almost 354 million tonnes, with over 117 million tonnes of wheat and 149 million tonnes of rice. Efficient storage will not only minimise the wastage but will also stabilise the prices and give farmers better returns. The storage network is a country-wide network of centralised warehouses, decentralised warehouses and cold storage facilities with specific government programmes to modernise and expand them.
Storage infrastructure is important.
Saving losses after harvest, ensuring grain quality, and preserving nutritional value are related to proper storage. It also maintains the supply of buffer stocks to even out prices in shortages. Storage helps minimize distress sales and increase rural income by providing farmers with the choice to store and sell at a later time. Scientific storage also reduces pest and water damage.
The role of Centralised Storage and FCI.
Centralised storage is supported by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) which buys grains at Minimum Support Price and maintains warehouses and steel silos. In collaboration with state agencies, FCI now operates a total storage capacity of over 917 lakh metric tonnes, which is providing supply throughout the year under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Cold Chain Expansion
Perishable produce including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat requires cold storage. The current number of cold storages in India is 8815 with a capacity of more than 402 lakh metric tonnes with modern facilities such as pre-cooling and controlled-atmosphere storage. Financial assistance is being given through government programs like PMKSY and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to grow this sector.
PACS Decentralised Storage.
Through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), village-level storage is being enhanced. Those facilities decrease the cost of transport and losses at post-harvest stages and act as procurement centres and Fair Price Shops. More than 73,000 PACS are computerised enhancing efficiency and transparency.
Modernisation and Government Initiatives.
Thousands of storage and food processing projects are being funded in the country by key schemes such as AIF, AMI and PMKSY. The already existing steel silos of over 27 lakh tonnes capacity which are mechanised with expanding capacity are being extended further.
Cooperative Sector Grain Storage Plan.
Introduced in 2023, this grand strategy fortifies PACS-level infrastructure, decentralises storage, and helps rural economies. New godowns have been constructed in 11 states already in pilot projects and 500 or more PACS were chosen to be extended. This collaborative-based model will revolutionize storage and enhance the food security base of India.
Month: Current Affairs - September 30, 2025
Category: current affairs daily