“World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector”

June 1, 2023

India, known for its agricultural prowess, is embarking on a monumental plan to revolutionize its foodgrain storage capacity. The Union cabinet recently approved a scheme that will allocate a staggering ₹1 trillion towards increasing storage capacity by 70 million tonnes in the cooperative sector. This ambitious project, set to become the world’s largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector, aims to address key challenges faced by farmers and enhance the country’s food security.

Enhancing Storage Capacity: A Key Priority

The current grain storage capacity in India stands at 145 million tonnes. Recognizing the need for expansion, the government plans to bolster the capacity by an additional 70 million tonnes, reaching an impressive 215 million tonnes within the next five years. This significant increase in storage capacity will play a vital role in reducing food wastage and facilitating better planning for farmers.

Cooperative Sector Takes the Lead

One of the distinctive features of this plan is its implementation within the cooperative sector. This means that cooperatives will have the opportunity to establish decentralised storage facilities across the country. By leveraging the power of cooperatives, the burden on the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will be reduced, ensuring smoother operations and improved efficiency in the storage and distribution of foodgrains.

Pilot Project for Seamless Implementation

To ensure seamless and effective execution, the Ministry of Cooperation will initiate a pilot project in ten selected districts across states and Union Territories. This strategic approach will provide valuable insights into regional requirements, enabling the integration of local needs into the nationwide implementation of the programme. By incorporating diverse perspectives, the government aims to optimize the impact of the storage capacity scheme.

Transforming Credit Societies into Vibrant Enterprises

The Ministry of Cooperation has set forth a comprehensive strategy with the objective of converting Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) into thriving and prosperous business ventures. These PACS will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s food security, reducing wastage, and improving farmers’ income. Emphasis will be placed on developing agri-infrastructure, including warehouses and processing units at the PACS level, to enhance the overall agricultural landscape of the country.

Establishing a Regional Office for Development Cooperation

Recognizing the importance of multilateral cooperation, India will establish a regional office of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in New Delhi. This office will facilitate UPU’s development cooperation and provide technical assistance activities in the region. Through this collaboration, India aims to enhance postal services, improve efficiency, promote e-commerce, and support trade initiatives in the region.

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