India’s Food Grain Storage Infrastructure Advances 2025

India’s record foodgrain production in 2024-25 has telld the critical role of storage infrastructure in securing national food security. With a harvest of nearly 354 million tonnes, including over 117 million tonnes of wheat and 149 million tonnes of rice, India continues to lead globally. Efficient storage systems minimise losses, stabilise prices, and empower farmers. The nation’s food grain storage landscape encompasses centralised, decentralised, and cold storage facilities supported by various government schemes aimed at modernisation and expansion.

Significance of Food Grain Storage

Storage infrastructure is essential to reduce post-harvest losses and maintain food quality. It supports buffer stocks that stabilise prices and ensure food availability year-round. Proper storage prevents distress sales by enabling farmers to sell produce at optimal times, thus improving incomes. Scientific storage controls moisture and pests, preserving nutritional value and safety.

Centralised Storage and Food Corporation of India

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) manages centralised storage, procuring grains at Minimum Support Price to protect farmers. FCI stores these grains in warehouses and steel silos, forming the backbone of the Public Distribution System (PDS). As of mid-2025, FCI and state agencies have a combined covered and CAP storage capacity of over 917 lakh metric tonnes, ensuring robust food security.

Cold Storage and Cold Chain Facilities

Cold storage infrastructure preserves perishable items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. Facilities include pre-cooling, controlled atmosphere storage, and refrigerated transport, extending shelf life and reducing wastage. India has 8,815 cold storages with a capacity exceeding 402 lakh metric tonnes. Government schemes such as PMKSY and AIF provide financial support to expand this sector.

Decentralised Storage and Role of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies

Decentralised storage through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) brings storage closer to farmers. PACS operate village-level godowns, reducing transportation costs and post-harvest losses. They also serve as procurement centres and Fair Price Shops. Over 73,000 PACS have been computerised to enhance transparency and efficiency, with continuous expansion underway.

Government Schemes Enhancing Storage Capacity

Several schemes strengthen storage infrastructure – – Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) finances post-harvest management projects, sanctioning over Rs. 73,000 crores for 1.27 lakh projects. – Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme supports construction and renovation of warehouses, with nearly 50,000 projects sanctioned. – Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) promotes food processing and cold chain infrastructure, approving 1,601 projects to boost value addition. – Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme offers subsidies for cold storage construction, especially in hilly and northeastern regions.

Modern Storage Technologies and Expansion Initiatives

Steel silos with mechanised bulk handling are being constructed to ensure scientific storage and reduce losses. By mid-2025, silos with a capacity of over 27 lakh tonnes are operational, with more under construction. The government also promotes asset monetisation by building new godowns on vacant FCI land. Special focus is on augmenting storage in North Eastern states and other regions through dedicated schemes.

World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector

Launched in 2023, this plan integrates multiple schemes to develop agri-infrastructure at the PACS level. It aims to decentralise storage, improve PACS viability, and enhance last-mile delivery. Pilot projects have completed godown construction in 11 states, with over 500 PACS identified for expansion. This will transform PACS into multi-service centres supporting rural economies.