Under the pilot phase of initiative, storage units with capacity of 9,750 metric tonnes have been successfully constructed at Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in 11 states.

• Encouraged by success of the pilot phase, government has identified Over 500 additional PACS to enhance storage infrastructure at grassroots level. 

About World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector

• Ministry: Ministry of Cooperation.
• Purpose: Establish decentralized storage facilities at PACS level, alongside other agricultural infrastructure, like, warehouses, processing units etc through convergence of existing schemes i.e., Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme etc.
• Implementing Agencies: National Cooperative Development Corporation, NABARD, Food Corporation of India, Central Warehousing Corporation, etc. 
• Benefits to PACS: PACS can avail subsidies & interest subvention benefits for construction of agri infrastructure.

Significance 

• Food Security: Decentralized storage will reduce food grain wastage, enhancing national food security.
  •  In 2021, total Food Grain Production in India was 311 MMT & total storage Capacity is 145 MMT, signifying 47% shortfalls (2021).
• Access to credit: Farmers will be able to store their produce in godown constructed at PACS & avail bridge finance for next cycle of crop. 
• Income Security: Enable farmers to store their produce & sell when better prices prevail in market, or sell to PACS at Minimum Support Price.