Odisha Government Commits Rs 240 Crore to Boost Food Grain Storage Capacity
In a significant move to strengthen agricultural infrastructure, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Friday a substantial budgetary allocation of Rs 240 crore aimed at increasing the state's post-harvest food grain storage capacity. This initiative is a key component of the Central Government's ambitious 'World's Largest Grain Storage Plan' in the cooperative sector, which was first piloted in Madhya Pradesh back in 2023.
Strategic Alignment with National Grain Storage Plan
The scheme focuses on developing comprehensive agricultural infrastructure at the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) level. This includes the establishment of decentralised godowns, custom hiring centres, processing units, and fair price shops, among other critical facilities. By participating in this national plan, Odisha aims to fortify its post-harvest infrastructure and ensure more efficient and secure storage of food grains.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that this strategic participation is designed to enhance the state's agricultural backbone and streamline storage processes. "These facilities will enable safe storage of procured paddy and rice by the civil supplies corporation. A budget provision of Rs 240 crore was proposed for the purpose," he stated, highlighting the government's commitment to agricultural sustainability.
Phased Implementation and Capacity Targets
The implementation of this plan will be carried out in structured phases to ensure systematic development and maximum impact.
- First Phase: In the initial stage, 19 godowns have been selected, boasting a combined storage capacity of 31,500 metric tonnes. This phase sets the foundation for immediate improvements in grain storage infrastructure.
- Future Expansion: Looking ahead, the state has ambitious plans to develop an additional 3.97 lakh metric tonnes of storage capacity across 10 districts. This expansion is crucial for meeting the growing demands of Odisha's agricultural sector and reducing post-harvest losses.
By investing in these infrastructural enhancements, the Odisha government aims to not only safeguard food grains but also support farmers by providing better storage solutions, ultimately contributing to food security and economic stability in the region.
