India's Cooperative Sector Launches Largest Grain Storage Plan

The Indian government has initiated the World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector to tackle food grain storage shortages and boost grain storage infrastructure. The project, which commenced as a pilot on 31st May 2023, involves setting up storage facilities, processing units, and fair price shops at the level of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and other cooperatives. The Ministry of Cooperation coordinates the convergence of various government schemes like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme to provide financial support. The plan aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance farmers' price realization. A network of committees and agencies monitors its execution across India, except regions like Madhya Pradesh, which already possess adequate storage infrastructure. The plan amplifies cooperative participation across the country, ensuring financial ease with subsidies and interest reduction measures, fostering better food security. As of now, 560 cooperative societies have been involved, creating significant new storage capacities.

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