SEP 28: India’s agriculture sector continues to scale new heights, recording 353.96 million tonnes of foodgrain production in 2024-25, according to third advance estimates. This includes 149.07 million tonnes of rice and 117.51 million tonnes of wheat. With this achievement, the focus has now shifted to modern storage and preservation systems to ensure every grain contributes to food security, farmer prosperity, and national growth.
As of July 2025, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies collectively manage 917.83 LMT of covered and CAP storage capacity for central pool grains. Complementing this, 8,815 cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of 40.21 million MT preserve perishables such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat, significantly reducing post-harvest losses.
At the grassroots, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are emerging as decentralized storage hubs. By June 2025, 5,937 new PACS were registered and 73,492 computerized, enabling efficient procurement, localized storage, and cost savings for farmers.
Several government schemes are driving this transformation. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has sanctioned projects worth ₹73,155 crore, focusing on warehouses, cold storage, and logistics. The Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme has supported nearly 50,000 projects, adding almost 983 LMT of storage capacity nationwide. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) has boosted food processing, with 1,601 projects approved, enhancing value addition and reducing wastage.
A key milestone is the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector, launched in 2023. Under this plan, PACS are being transformed into multi-service centres with godowns, processing units, and fair price shops. Already, 11 PACS across 11 states have completed construction of new godowns, with 500 more projects underway.
Additionally, steel silos are being promoted for scientific bulk storage. Silos at 48 locations (27.75 LMT capacity) are operational, with more under construction. Complementary schemes like the PEG Scheme, Storage & Godowns in the North East, and asset monetization of FCI lands are further augmenting capacity.
Through these measures, India is not only preserving its record harvests but also ensuring price stability, farmer empowerment, and year-round food availability, securing its position as a global agricultural powerhouse.
