Executive Summary:
This document is a response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2772 regarding the modernization and digitization of storage infrastructure for Central Pool foodgrains, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Dharmapuri district. It details the available storage capacity, steps taken for modernization, criteria for assessing storage gaps, and proposals for new godowns or silos as of July 1, 2025. There are no immediate deadlines or action items stipulated.
Key Points / Main Content:
Current Storage Capacity:
* As of July 1, 2025, the total covered storage capacity with FCI, hired entities, and state agencies for Central Pool foodgrains is 821.36 LMT.
* In Tamil Nadu, the covered storage capacity is 12.92 LMT (6.46 LMT with FCI, 6.46 LMT hired, and 9.12 LMT with state agencies).
* Dharmapuri district has 0.33 LMT covered storage capacity with FCI (hired) and 0.18 LMT with state agencies.
* Two silos with a total capacity of 50,000 MT have been constructed in Chennai and Coimbatore through private sector participation.
Modernization and Digitization Efforts:
* FCI has launched the Depot Darpan Portal for digital monitoring of storage infrastructure, including depots in Tamil Nadu.
* A SMART Warehouse pilot project is underway, using IoT technology for foodgrain management in FCI godowns, including those in Tamil Nadu.
* The Ministry has allocated a capital budget under the 'Transformation of FCI' initiative for upgrading FCI-owned godowns, including road and roof replacements and lighting system upgrades.
* Digitalization of FCI storage facilities is being carried out in Dharmapuri district through the Depot Darpan Portal.
Assessment of Storage Gaps and Capacity Requirements:
* Tamil Nadu operates under a Decentralized Procurement (DCP) system.
* FCI's storage capacity depends on procurement levels, buffer stock norms, and PDS operations.
* Storage gap assessment considers the highest stock levels in the last three years and NFSA/OWS requirements.
* FCI augments storage capacity through various schemes, including the Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme and hiring options.
New Godown/Silo Proposals:
* An additional storage capacity of 8350 MT is planned at the Food Storage Depot in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, under the Asset Monetization Scheme.
* There is no proposal for construction of new SILOs in Tamilnadu state.
Impact Analysis
Food Corporation of India (FCI):
* Impact: Responsible for implementing modernization and digitization initiatives, managing storage capacity, and participating in procurement and distribution.
* Action Required: Continue implementing Depot Darpan Portal, SMART Warehouse project, and upgrade godowns. Assess storage gaps and augment capacity as needed.
Tamil Nadu State Government:
* Impact: Involved in procurement, storage, and distribution of foodgrains under the DCP system.
* Action Required: Coordinate with FCI on storage needs, participate in capacity augmentation schemes, and manage state-owned storage facilities.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food Public Distribution:
* Impact: Oversees the modernization and digitization efforts of FCI and allocates budget.
* Action Required: Monitor the progress of modernization projects and ensure adequate funding for storage infrastructure upgrades.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu: A state in southern India, focus of storage infrastructure modernization.
Food Corporation of India FCI: The primary agency responsible for foodgrain storage and distribution in India.
Dharmapuri district: A district in Tamil Nadu, specifically mentioned regarding storage capacity and activities.
Central Pool foodgrains: Foodgrains procured and maintained by the government for various welfare schemes.
Public Distribution System PDS: Government-run system for distributing subsidized foodgrains to the public.
Depot Darpan Portal: A digital platform launched by FCI to monitor storage infrastructure.
SMART Warehouse: A pilot project using IoT technology for foodgrain management in FCI godowns.
National Food Security Act: Act of Parliament of India to provide food security
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2772
TO BE ANSWERED ON 6TH AUGUST, 2025
MODERNISATION AND DIGITISATION OF STORAGE INFRASTRUCTURE IN
TAMIL NADU
2772. SHRI MANI A:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the total covered storage capacity available in the country, especially in
Tamil Nadu including Dharmapuri district for the storage of Central Pool foodgrains as on
date
9
(b) whether the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is taking any steps for modernisation and
digitization of storage infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, especially in districts like Dharmapuri and
if so, the details thereof;
(c) the criteria and process adopted by FC:I to assess storage gaps and future capacity
requirements particularly for districts like Dharmapuri, where local procurement and
distribution activities are increasing; and
(d) whether any proposals from Tamil Nadu State are currently under consideration of the
Union Government for new godowns or silos and if so, the timeline for their implementation?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRIM ATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)
(a): Food Corporation of India (FCI) mainly stores wheat & rice after procurement for Public
Distribution System (PDS) operations and to maintain buffer stock. As on 01.07.2025, total Covered
Storage Capacity available with FCI (owned- 147.19 LMT+Hired-323.38 LMT) and State agencies for
storage of Central Pool foodgrain stock is 821.36 LN4T. The State-wise details of central pool storage
Capacity, alongwith Covered & Plinth storage, including Tamilnadu state is enclosed at Annexul-e-I.-2-
As on 01.07.2025, in Tamilnadu, 12.92 LM[T Covered storage capacity is available with FCI
(Owned - 6.46 LMT & Hired-6.46 LMT) and 9.12 LMIT is with the State agencies for storing of
Central Pool foodgrain stock.
This includes, 0.33 LMT covered storage capacity available with FCI [ Hired TNWC PEG
(Tamilnadu Warehousing Corporation Private Entrepreneur Guarantee) at Nallampalli – 0.15 LMT]
and 0.18 LMT of capacity with state agencies in Dharmapuri district.
Moreover, two silos of total capacity 50000 MTs at Chennai (25000 MT) and Coimbatore
(25000 MT) have been constructed under Circuit model through Private sector participation on Build-
Own-Operate (BOO) basis in the state of Tamil Nadu.
(b): FCI is taking various steps for modernization and digitization of storage infrastructure in all
FCI Depots throughout India including Tamil Nadu state.
FC:1 has developed and launched the Depot Darpan Portal as a step to digitize the monitoring
of storage infrastructure of both FCI-owned and hired depots including depots in Tamil Nadu. The
portal promotes transparency, accountability, and performance monitoring across all depots, while
facilitating data-driven decision-making through, dashboards, real-time alerts, and comprehensive
reports
Further, a SMART Warehouse pilot project is underway in FCI godowns including FCI
Tamilnadu in phased manner, using Internet of Things (loT) technology for foodgrain management.
Monitoring parameters include temperature, humidity, gas levels, airflow, and events such as
unauthorized access, rodent, and insect activity.
For the upgradation of FCI owned godowns, the Ministry has allocated the capital budget under
'Transformation of FCI’ initiative, which was started in FY 2023-24. The budget received under this
initiative is primarily used for replacements of old damaged Bituminous (BT) roads by Cement
Concrete (CC) roads, replacement of old damaged Asbestos Cement (AC) sheet roofs with pre colour
coated GI profile roof sheets, Upgradation of lighting system and installation of Diesel Generator Set
as power backup at Food Storage Godowns. These works are being carried out in all FCI Depots
throughout the India including Tamil Nadu state.-3-
There is no FCI owned godown at Dharmapuri district. However, TNWC PEG Nallampalli, is
the only hired godown for storing Central pool stock by FCI in Dharmapuri district. Digitalisation of
FCI storage facility is being carried out in Dharmapuri district through Depot darpan Portal.
(c): Tamil Nadu is a Decentralised Procurement State (DCP). The state Government procure, store
and distribute foodgrains as per their National Food Security Act/Other Welfare Schemes requirement.
FCI comes into picture in case of less procurement wherein shortfall is bridged by inducting stock or
excess procurement wherein excess stock is moved to deficit areas.
As on 01.07.2025, 12.92 LMT Covered storage capacities is available with FCI (Owned - 6.46
LMT & Hired-6.46 LNIT) and 9.12 LMT is with the State agencies in Tamilnadu for storing of Central
Pool foodgrain stocks which include, 0.33 LMT covered storage capacity is available with FCI {Hired
(TNWC PEG Nallampalli) - 0.15 LMT} and 0.18 LMT of capacity is with state agencies in
Dharmapuri district for storing of central pool foodgrain stocks.
Storage capacity of FCI depends upon the level of procurement, requirement of buffer norms
and PDS operations. Storage gap for creation of storage capacity under PEG scheme is assessed in the
procuring States based on the highest stock levels in the last three years and in the consuming States on
the basis of 4 months (6 months in case of North Eastern States and in some other states like J&K,
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep) requirement of
NFSA and OWS-4-
FCI continuously assesses and monitors the storage capacity and based on the storage gap
assessment, storage capacities are created/hired. FCI is augmenting its storage capacity through
following schemes: -
1 Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme
2 Central Sector Scheme (CSS) 2017-25
ja. Construction of Silos under PPP mode
4. Hiring of godown from Central Warehousing Corporation /State Warehousing
Corporations/State Agencies
5. Hiring ofgodown through Private Warehousing Scheme (PWS).
6. Creation of godowns under Asset Monetization on FCI’s owned land in Public Private
Partnership (PPP) mode
7. CAP Hiring Scheme -2025
8. Modified Private Entrepreneurship Guarantee scheme for North Eastern & Hilly states with
longer guarantee period of 15 years
(d): Additional storage capacity of 8350 MT is planned at Food Storage Depot Chidambaram
(Tamilnadu) under Asset Monetization Scheme.
There is no proposal for construction of new SILOs in Tamilnadu state.
SeScSes ee RCentral Pool Storage Capacity with FCI and State Govt.Agencies as on 01.07.2025 (Annexure - I)
(Figures in LNIT)
Total Storage Capacity with FCI (Owned/Hired ) 'l'(Jt:l1 Total Storage Capacity
(Covered & CAP) (OWIre with State Agencies
d including S\VCs
+Hired (excluding capacities given Grand Total
NI g to FCI) for storage of
gI i )
(Bl o Region/LT.T. foodgrains
Covered CAP Total State Agencies Cov. 1 CAP T Cov. &
CAP
Own Hired Own Hired Coy. TcAP o CAP 1 Total
ed ed
1 1 BIHAR 3.45 9.02 0.00 0.00 12.47 0.00 12.47 10.13 0.00 10.13 22.60 0.00 22.60
y 9 JHARKrIAND 0.98 3.82 0.00 0.00 4.80 0.00 4.80 1.78 0 1.78 6.58 0.00 6.58
U- 3 ORISSA 3.65 3.07 0.00 0.00 6.72 0.00 6.72 5.11 0 5,11 11.83 0.00 11.83
U’EST BENGAL 9.53 1.42 0.00 0.00 10.95 0.00 10.95 9.66 9.66 20.61 0.00 20.61
SIKKINI 0.11 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.23 0.00 0.23
Total East Zone 17.72 17.34 0.00 0.00 35.06 0.00 35.06 26.79 0.00 26.79 61.85 0.00 61.85
6 ASSANI 3.74 1.57 0.00 0.00 5.3 i 0.00 5.31 0.00 0 0.00 5.3 1 0.00 5.31
7 ARtTNACHAL PD 0.4 1 0.04 0.00 0.00 0,45 0.00 0.45 0.00 0 0.00 0.45 0.00 0.45
2 81 NIEGHALA\’A 0.20 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.44 0.00 0.44 0.00 0 0.00 0.44 0.00 0.44
9 NI IZORA Nl 0.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.32 0.00 0.32 0.4 1 0 0.4 1 0.73 0.00 0.73
10 TRIPLTRA 0.44 0.18 0.00 0.00 0.62 0.00 0.62 0.64 0 0.64 1.26 0.00 1.26
11 NIANIPtTR 0.65 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.65 0.00 0.65 0.00 0 0.00 0.65 0.00 0.65
12 1N AGALAND 0.42 0.16 0.00 0.00 0.57 0.00 0.57 0.08 0 0.08 0.65 0.00 0.65
Total North East Zone 6.16 2.19 0.00 0.00 8.35 0.00 8.35 1.13 0.00 1.13 9.48 0.00 9.48
1371.III 3.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.28 0.00 3.28 0.00 0 0.00 3.28 0.00 3.28
1 8.75 57.47 2.88 0.00 66.22 2.88 69.10 45.92 20.52 66.44 112.14 23.40 135.54
IS FIINIACHAL PD. 0.27 0.73 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 0 0.00 1.00 0.00 1.00
2 16 J & K 0.95 1.52 0.00 0.00 2.46 0.00 2.46 0.00 0 0.00 2.46 0.00 2.46
01 LAD,\ KI I 0.25 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.3 1 0.00 0.3 1 0.00 0.00 0.3 ] 0.00 0.31
PLTNJA B 27. 1 7 121.89 3.31 5.63 149.06 8.94 158.00 30.19 92.90 179.25 71.65 250.90
CHANDIGARH 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.09
FL4JASTIIAN 8.42 15.57 0.60 0.83 23.99 1.43 25.42 0.00 0.00 23.99 1.43 25.42
21 tTTTAR PFL4DESH 15.68 38.94 0.00 0.00 54.62 0.00 54.62 0.00 0 0.00 54.62 0.00 54.62
22 UTTARA KH AND 0.83 1.27 0.00 0.00 2.10 0.00 2.10 1.88 0 1.88 3.98 0.00 3.98
Total North Zone 65.59 237.54 6.79 6.46 303.13 13.25 3 16.38 77.99 83.23 161.22 381.12 96.48 477.60
rmT\
PRADESII 8.64 2.51 0.00 0.00 11.15 0.00 11.15 17.78 0 17.78 28.92 0.00 28.92
A\D \ I.\ \
NIKOBAR 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.07 0. 1 6 0 0.16 0.23 0.00 0.23
TELANGANA 6.68 14.16 0.00 0.00 20.83 0.00 20.83 7.96 7.96 28.79 0.00 28.79
I I–mo–I
KERALA 5.89 0.11 0.00 6.00 0.00 6.00 1.88 1.88 7.88 0.00 7.88
[
27 KARN ATAKA 4.60 5.73 0.00 0.00 10.34 0.00 10.34 0.00 0 0.00 10.34 0.00 10.34
28 1 LAKSHDU/EEP 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.03 0.00 0 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.03
I
TAXIII. NAD tT 6.46 6.46 0.00 0.00 12.92 0.00 12.92 9.12 0 9.12 22.04 0.00 22.01
PtTDDtTCH FRI 0.51 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.5 1 0.00 0.5 1 0.00 0 0.00 0.51 0.00 0.51
Total South Zone 32.87 28.96 0.00 0.00 61.83 1 0.00 1 6611.8.833 1 3366.9.900 1 0.00 36.90 98.73 0.00 98.73
1
3 lim
4.93 4.43 0.00 0.00 9.36 0.00 9.36 0.57 0 0.57 9.93 0.00 9.93
G
’- I 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
tIAVELI
gI 33 1 NIAHARASIITRA 9.23 9.27 0.00 0.00 18.50 0.00 18.50 6.98 0 6.98 25.48 0.00 25.48
LC*AJ
3 0.19 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.19 0.00 0.19 0.00 0 0.00 0.19 0.00 0.19
+
4.18 9.78 1 o.oo I 0.00 13.96 0.00 13.96 189.16 t 0.00 189.16 203.12 0.00 203.12
JS I PRADES ll
3 6.32 1 m1133.8.866 1 0.00 1 0.00 20. 18 0.00 M20.1 I8 1 1.26 Htm0 11.26 3 1.44 0.00 31.44
HaHnII EJlgBt t 0.00 lilitIll 62.19 161111t1 +207.97 207.97 270.16 0.00 270.16
Grand Total 1 +7.19 323.38 6.79 m)4]a) [ 470.57 13.25 483.82
350.78I 83.23I
434.0 1
I[
M 1 .36 96.48 917.83