Largest Grain Storage Plan: Strengthening India's Food Security

The government of India has recently given its approval to the World's Largest Grain Storage plan, aimed at addressing the shortage of food grain, particularly at the local level, and enhancing the country’s food security. However, implementing the plan presents its own set of challenges. The government must consider the possibility of creating these warehouses for public usage, which requires careful planning. It is crucial for the government to also consider reintroducing The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce Promotion and Facilitation) Act. By integrating these warehouses with the eNAM National Agriculture Market) platform, depositors would have the freedom to sell their produce at their preferred time and location, providing them with greater flexibility and market access.

- Shraddha Warde 

“The implementation of the scheme to yield significant benefits, including increased storage capacity and the reduction of losses from farm to store. This, in turn, can stabilise price inflation and ensure favourable pricing for consumers. Moreover, the enhanced storage conditions will effectively prevent damages and losses at storage points while enabling proximity to markets.”

Vijay Kumar Singh, Managing Director, SAJ Food Products

“We as a country have made enormous strides to create capacity in the last decade but it is pertinent to note that the agri–losses still remain staggeringly high and this needs to be introspected. These losses cannot only be attributed to infrastructure, but are largely due to the mismanagement of the supply chain and therefore, the plan should incorporate strategies to address this challenge as well.”

Sandeep Sabarwal, Group CEO, Sohanlal Commodity Management (SLCM)

“The addition of more storage space will play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses of food grains, which are currently estimated to range between 5 and 6 per cent. By preserving the surplus production during periods of low prices, farmers will have the opportunity to sell their produce at a later time when prices appreciate, resulting in better returns and improved income stability,”

Prasanna Rao, Co-founder & CEO, Arya.ag