World Largest Grain Storage Plan to be established in India for Farmers

The Government of India has approved a proposal to establish a world-class grain storage plan on a pilot basis. The 'World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme Plan in the Cooperative Sector' will be implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) with support from various other organizations, according to a PIB press release.

The project aims to provide farmers with improved storage facilities and enable better management of their crops. The new storage facilities are expected to reduce post-harvest losses and help farmers secure better prices for their produce. The government believes this plan will also contribute to strengthening the country’s food security.

Under the plan, various agricultural infrastructure will be developed at the PACS level, including warehouses, custom hiring centers, processing units, fortified price shops, and more. The initiative will be carried out in a decentralized manner by NCDC with the assistance of NABARD, NABARD Consultancy Services, the Food Corporation of India (FCI), and the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC). The estimated cost for building the necessary infrastructure varies by region, depending on topography, labor costs, and other project components.

The creation of these storage facilities will offer several benefits to farmers, including the ability to store their products in PACS-constructed warehouses and Access Bridge financing for the next crop. Additionally, farmers will be able to purchase various agricultural inputs and services at the Panchayat or village level.