Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 3: India’s total foodgrain production is estimated at 376.563 million tonnes in the Third Advance Estimates for 2025-26, nearly 18.8 million tonnes or 5.3 per cent higher than the previous year’s production of 357.732 million tonnes, according to an official factsheet issued on Thursday.

India also operates one of the world’s largest food security programmes under the National Food Security Act, 2013, covering about 80 crore people.

“India’s expanding agricultural production and food security efforts have increased the importance of decentralised grain storage infrastructure across the country,” the factsheet said.

The Decentralised Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector, launched in 2023, aims to improve storage, processing, procurement and distribution systems through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The plan is supported by institutional coordination and financial support mechanisms.

Beginning with pilot projects across 11 states involving PACS and 9,750 MT of storage capacity, the initiative has expanded steadily.

As of July 2026, godown construction had been completed in 313 PACS across the country, creating more than 1.80 lakh tonnes (LMT) of storage capacity. The framework also emphasises quality standards, transparency and operational viability, the factsheet said.

The plan seeks to reduce foodgrain wastage and strengthen food security, while providing farmers greater flexibility to avoid distress sales and secure better price realisation.

It also aims to reduce transportation costs between procurement centres, warehouses and Fair Price Shops, besides expanding the role of PACS through diversification of agricultural activities and creating higher income opportunities for farmers.

The pilot projects were implemented in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Assam, Karnataka and Tripura.

These pilots have provided an important operational foundation and demonstrated the feasibility of local storage infrastructure at the cooperative level, the factsheet said.

According to the official statement, the Decentralised Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector represents an integrated approach to improving agricultural infrastructure through cooperatives.

By linking storage, processing, procurement and distribution at the PACS level, the plan strengthens foodgrain management closer to production centres.