Centre to Launch Pilot Project in 10 Districts for World's Largest Grain Storage Facility

The Union Cabinet has approved the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to facilitate the world's largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector by converging schemes from multiple ministries.

Image Courtesy: The Hindu

The Union Cabinet has granted approval for the establishment and empowerment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to facilitate the implementation of the "world's largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector." This initiative aims to merge various schemes from the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Food Processing Industries. The Ministry of Cooperation will oversee a pilot project in at least 10 districts across different states to ensure efficient and uniform execution of the plan. The committee, headed by Cooperation and Home Minister Amit Shah, will develop guidelines for the creation of infrastructure, such as warehouses, for agricultural purposes at selected Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) deemed feasible.

By leveraging the allocated funds from the relevant ministries' schemes, this comprehensive plan intends to address the issue of limited agricultural storage capacity, which results in food grain wastage and compels farmers to sell their produce at lower prices. With the implementation of this plan, farmers will gain access to modern grain storage facilities at PACS in their respective blocks. Consequently, they will be able to secure fair prices for their grains, resolving a significant concern. The significance of PACS as a crucial component of the rural economy is emphasized, and the plan aims to benefit millions of farmers associated with cooperatives. Additionally, the statement explains that farmers can sell their crops to PACS, receive an advance payment at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and obtain the remaining balance once the PACS sells the food grains in the market. This approach offers greater financial security and stability to farmers while ensuring food security for the nation.