See Full Document Text
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3977
TO BE ANSWERED ON 12TH AUGUST, 2026
MODERN STORAGE CAPACITY
3977 SHRI JASWANTSINH StJMANBHAI BHABHOR:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to
state
the details of the additional steps being taken by the Government to develop modern storage capacity
in the tribal-dominated Dahod Lok Sabha Constituency so as to ensure uninterrupted functioning of
the Public Distribution System (PDS) and prevent damage to foodgrains?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DiSTRIBUTION
(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)
The Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) has taken following steps for modernizing
storage capacity across the country including Gujarat to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the
Public Distribution System (PDS) and prevent damage to foodgrains:
Smart Warehouse Project : Under this project, traditional depots are converted into smart
warehouses which are equipped with different sensors like smoke sensors, fire sensors & gate
opening sensor etc. for monitoring key parameters such as C02, phosphine levels, fire hazards,
humidity, unauthorized entry and temperature on real time basis.
Smart warehouse ensures real-time visibility, timely intervention, data-driven decision-making &
standardized operations across all depots contributing to ensure safe, secure, and efficient food grain
storage and distribution.Depot Darpan Portal: Government has launched Depot Darpan Portal digital platform to enhance
the monitoring, transparency and efficiency of food-grain storage depots & warehouses under PDS.
Key features and purpose of Depot Darpan:
a. Depot/warehouse managers assess the infrastructure of their depots through uploading geo-
tagged data regarding infrastructure and operations.
b. Portal uses a composite scoring system, assessing depots on two broad categories:
infrastructure and operational parameters.
c. Based on the scores, depots are graded.
d. Validation of data is built into the process via 100% supervisory officer verification.
e. All the FCI owned and hired warehouses and warehouses of CWC are covered under Depot
Darpan portal.
Expansion of modern silos to reduce wastage:
Silos-Scientific Storage of Foodgrains: Silo storage represents a highly mechanized and modern
method of bulk foodgrains storage, ensuring superior preservation and enhanced shelf life. It requires
only one-third of the land area compared to conventional storage methods, lowers transit and
overhead costs such as those associated with gunny bags, reduces manpower requirements, and
ensures consistent quality through scientific handling and storage practices.
As on 30.06.2026, steel silos with a total capacity of 39 LMT at 76 locations are operational across
country. Out of which 2 LMT at 5 locations are in Gujarat.
Further, 8,960 MT storage capacity has been hired under PWS scheme from M/s Vilohit Corporation,
Dahod for the period 28.09.2025 to 27.09.2027.
88888