New Delhi: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is reinforcing its food grain storage and distribution systems to ensure the country is well-prepared for any emergency, including natural disasters, pandemics, or sudden supply shortages.
Officials said FCI maintains large buffer stocks of wheat and rice, which are crucial for stabilizing prices and ensuring uninterrupted food supply. These reserves were critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when over 126 lakh tonnes of grains were distributed under relief schemes such as the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
In times of crisis, FCI also supplies grains at discounted rates to bulk consumers like flour and biscuit manufacturers to prevent market price surges. To protect procurement targets, the government sometimes limits private purchases during key harvest seasons.
To modernize its operations, FCI is introducing steel silos, AI-powered grain quality analyzers, and digital tracking systems, replacing traditional storage methods. Officials say these changes will reduce wastage, improve transparency, and speed up distribution.
Experts believe these measures will strengthen India’s food security and ensure quick response capabilities during future emergencies.
