New Delhi: In a landmark move aimed at transforming India’s foodgrain storage and management infrastructure, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has launched the Smart Warehousing System for foodgrain storage.
The initiative, inaugurated by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, is being described as the world’s largest deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies in public-sector foodgrain warehousing.
The launch marks a major milestone in the government‘s ongoing efforts to modernise foodgrain storage, improve operational efficiency, enhance transparency, and strengthen India’s long-term food security framework.
Largest AI-Based Foodgrain Storage Network
The Smart Warehousing System has already been implemented across 215 bag-based foodgrain warehouses of the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).
In addition, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is deploying the system in another 150 warehouses, taking the total coverage to 365 warehouses nationwide.
The initiative aims to create a technologically advanced and data-driven warehousing ecosystem capable of managing millions of tonnes of foodgrain with greater efficiency and accountability.
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Advanced Technologies Powering the System
The Smart Warehousing System integrates several cutting-edge technologies designed to automate and monitor warehouse operations in real time.
Key features include:
Automated Entry and Exit Management
- FASTag-enabled gate automation
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems
- Faster vehicle movement and reduced congestion
Intelligent Security Infrastructure
- Geo-tagged smart locks
- Intelligent access control systems
- Face recognition-based authentication
AI-Baed Inventory Management
- Automated bag counting using Artificial Intelligence
- Object detection technology
- Digital record generation
Real-Time Environmental Monitoring
- IoT-based sensors for temperature and humidity monitoring
- Continuous tracking of storage conditions
Hazard Detection and Surveillance
- AI-powered fire detection
- Smoke detection systems
- Rodent activity monitoring
- Smart surveillance and alert mechanisms
Integrated Data Analytics
- ERP integration
- Automated reporting
- Advanced warehouse analytics
- Real-time operational dashboards
Expected Benefits
According to the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the Smart Warehousing System will significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of grain storage operations.
Major benefits include:
- Reduction in vehicle turnaround time (TAT)
- Improved transparency and accountability
- Enhanced compliance monitoring
- Better manpower utilisation
- Early detection of storage hazards
- Improved inventory management
- Real-time visibility of warehouse operations
- Scientific preservation of foodgrains
The system is expected to reduce losses, improve storage quality and support better decision-making through data-driven insights.
Pralhad Joshi Highlights Food Security Vision
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized that technology-driven reforms are central to strengthening India’s food security architecture.
He stated that the Smart Warehousing System would ensure scientific storage and preservation of foodgrains while benefiting:
- Farmers
- Warehouse operators
- Procurement agencies
- Public Distribution System beneficiaries
The Minister noted that the initiative will indirectly support over 80 crore beneficiaries covered under India’s Public Distribution System (PDS).
Digital Reforms Strengthening Welfare Delivery
Highlighting the government’s broader digitisation efforts, Joshi said technology has played a crucial role in ensuring welfare benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.
He revealed that through various digital reforms and verification mechanisms, the government has identified and removed more than 2.43 crore ineligible ration cards, thereby improving transparency and reducing leakages in the food subsidy system.
Series of Technology-Led Reforms
The Smart Warehousing System is the latest addition to a series of digital initiatives introduced by the Department of Food and Public Distribution in recent years.
These include:
- SMART PDS
- Anna Chakra
- Depot Darpan
- ASHA
- SCAN
- Anna Darpan
These platforms leverage Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, data analytics and digital governance tools to improve procurement, storage, logistics and foodgrain distribution across the country.
Recognition for Best Performing Warehouses
During the event, the Department also honoured the Top 20 Performing Warehouses belonging to the Central Warehousing Corporation and Food Corporation of India.
The awards were presented under the Depot Darpan Assessment Framework, which evaluates warehouse performance across various operational and service parameters.
The recognition aims to encourage best practices and operational excellence across India’s warehousing network.
Knowledge Publications Released
Several important publications were also unveiled during the ceremony.
These include:
Practical Guide for Safe Grain Storage at Mandis/Procurement Centres
A handbook aimed at improving storage practices and reducing post-harvest losses.
Pocket Handbook for FPS Dealers
A practical guide for Fair Price Shop operators.
12 Years of Ensuring Food Security
A publication documenting key achievements and reforms in food security management.
Anna and Algorithms: Advancing to Next-Gen Governance in the PDS (2024–2026)
A report highlighting digital transformation initiatives in India’s Public Distribution System.
Smart Warehousing Manual
A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guide for operating IoT-enabled warehouse systems.
Supporting Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Officials stated that the Smart Warehousing System aligns with several flagship national missions, including:
- Digital India
- IndiaAI Mission
- PM GatiShakti
- Atmanirbhar Bharat
The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen India’s foodgrain management ecosystem by combining modern technology with scientific storage practices.
A New Era in Foodgrain Management
With AI-powered surveillance, IoT-enabled monitoring, automated inventory management and real-time analytics, the Smart Warehousing System represents one of the most ambitious technology deployments in India’s food security infrastructure.
As foodgrain procurement and storage continue to grow in scale, the government believes that smart warehousing will play a critical role in ensuring efficient management, minimising losses and safeguarding food supplies for future generations.
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