Centre to Invest Rs 1,280 Crore to Upgrade FCI and CWC Godowns: Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday announced that the Central Government will invest approximately Rs 1,280 crore to modernise and upgrade the infrastructure of existing godowns operated by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC). The move aims to enhance efficiency, reduce wastage, and ensure better quality foodgrain supply through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Addressing a conference in the capital, Joshi stated that the FCI will invest ₹1,000 crore, while the CWC will contribute Rs 280 crore for the infrastructure upgrade of their own storage facilities. The investment will cover a total of 2,278 godowns, both owned and hired, across the country.

“The government is leveraging the latest technologies to increase transparency, streamline operations, and curb leakages in the PDS. Our ultimate goal is to deliver quality foodgrains to more than 80 crore people through ration shops under the National Food Security Act,” Joshi said.

He emphasized that these upgrades will lead to significant savings for both FCI and CWC by minimizing losses and improving overall storage management. On the sidelines of the event, the minister reiterated the Centre’s preparedness for foodgrain storage and distribution in times of emergency.

Assuring that foodgrain supplies are stable, Joshi said the government currently holds adequate stock of rice and wheat, and that food inflation remains under control. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Co-operation is working on creating an additional 700 lakh tonnes of storage capacity across India, backed by an investment of over Rs 1 lakh crore.

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In a move to strengthen digital monitoring and reduce inefficiencies, Joshi launched three new mobile applications — Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata. These apps are aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the PDS.

“There are some black sheep and greedy individuals in the system. These apps will help plug the loopholes and curb wastage,” Joshi noted.

FCI, the nodal agency responsible for foodgrain procurement and distribution, handles the movement of around 420 lakh tonnes of foodgrains annually. The PDS network currently operates through approximately 5.3 lakh ration shops across the country.