As part of the 100 Days Achievements of the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has made remarkable strides in advancing its infrastructure through the successful development of multiple state-of-the-art silo projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
These initiatives represent a significant leap forward in modernizing India’s food grain supply chain, ensuring that the storage and transportation of essential commodities are both efficient and sustainable. Recently, FCI has added six operational silos, strategically positioned across various regions of the country.
These silo projects have been established based on the Design, Build, Finance, Own & Operate (DBFOO) or the Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) framework, leveraging private investment to create facilities that are now fully operational and contributing to the nation’s food security.
Among the notable highlights of these silo projects is the Darbhanga Silo Project in Bihar, which was developed under the DBFOO model by Adani Agri Logistics (Darbhanga) Ltd. This project boasts a substantial storage capacity of 50,000 metric tons (MT) and includes a dedicated railway siding to facilitate transportation.
Commissioned in April 2024, it is currently fully operational, enhancing the region’s storage capabilities. Similarly, the Samastipur Silo Project in Bihar, also constructed by Adani Agri Logistics (Samastipur) Ltd., mirrors the specifications of the Darbhanga project with its 50,000 MT capacity.
Completed in May 2024, this facility is now operational and supports the local agricultural ecosystem. In Punjab, the Sahnewal Silo Project, developed by Leap Agri Logistics (Ludhiana) Pvt. Ltd. under the DBFOT model, is another key addition. This facility, with its 50,000 MT capacity, aims to bolster grain procurement and storage efficiency for local farmers.
It was completed in May 2024 and is now functioning to improve the agricultural logistics in the area. The Baroda Silo Project in Gujarat, with a similar storage capacity of 50,000 MT, was completed in May 2024 by Leap Agri Logistics (Baroda) Pvt. Ltd. This operational facility plays a crucial role in enhancing grain storage capacities in the region.
In Amritsar, the Chheheratta Silo Project, developed by NCML Chhehretta Pvt. Ltd., offers another 50,000 MT of storage capacity. Completed in May 2024, it serves as a vital resource for storing grains procured from local farmers.
Finally, the Batala Silo Project located in Gurdaspur, developed by NCML Batala Pvt. Ltd., was completed in June 2024. This facility, with a capacity of 50,000 MT, further strengthens FCI’s storage infrastructure in Punjab, providing much-needed support to local agricultural producers.
These silo initiatives will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in ensuring food security in several essential ways. They will provide increased storage capacity, improved preservation methods, reduced losses, and more efficient handling of bulk storage.
The incorporation of automated systems enables better quality control for stored grains, while integrated rail and road transportation links enhance logistical efficiency. Facilities designed for mechanized bulk loading and unloading help to lower operating costs, making the entire supply chain more effective.
Overall, these silo projects and the transportation improvements are a crucial part of FCI’s comprehensive strategy to bolster food security and minimize losses through enhanced storage and transportation infrastructure. Equipped with modern technology, these silos not only improve grain preservation but also offer vital support to farmers by streamlining procurement processes.
