Kurukshetra Magazine February 2024 - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 2


A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72 | No. 4 | Pages 52 | February 2024
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003  
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ? ? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? Thiruvananthapuram - Press Road, 
Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. Towers, 
Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 
560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 (0612-2675823)  
? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) ? Ahmedabad - Sales 
Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 
Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669) 
CHIEF EDITOR 
Manogyan Rani Pal
EDITOR 
Shiela Chaudhary
JOINT DIRECTOR (PRODUCTION)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
COVER DESIGN
Neeraj Ridlaan
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals Unit 
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAX: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year : ` 230
Contents
5
19
31
41
36
Making India 
the Food Basket of the World
Rajiv Theodore
12
Warehousing
Changing Gears to meet 
Present Challenges
T.K. Manoj Kumar 
Sai Pradeep G
5
Shaping Sustainable Food Systems 
with Storage Infrastructure
A Pathway to Viksit Bharat
Dr. Neelam Patel 
Dr. Tanu Sethi
25
Mega Food Storage Plan
Challenges and Way ahead
Manjula Wadhwa
19
Institutionalised Management of 
Food Security
FCI’s Role in Safe Storage, Distribution 
and Transportation of Food Grains
Ashok KK Meena
Chandrasen Kumar
31
Entrepreneurial Opportunities 
in Food Storage Infrastructure
Partha Pratim Sahu
46
An Overview 
Traditional Storage Infrastructure 
and Practices in India
Dr. Namrata Singh Panwar
41
ODOP
Providing Framework for Value 
Chain Development
Dr. Amiya Kumar Mohapatra
Dr. Nandeesh V Hiremath
Page 3


A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72 | No. 4 | Pages 52 | February 2024
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003  
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ? ? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? Thiruvananthapuram - Press Road, 
Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. Towers, 
Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 
560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 (0612-2675823)  
? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) ? Ahmedabad - Sales 
Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 
Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669) 
CHIEF EDITOR 
Manogyan Rani Pal
EDITOR 
Shiela Chaudhary
JOINT DIRECTOR (PRODUCTION)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
COVER DESIGN
Neeraj Ridlaan
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals Unit 
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAX: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year : ` 230
Contents
5
19
31
41
36
Making India 
the Food Basket of the World
Rajiv Theodore
12
Warehousing
Changing Gears to meet 
Present Challenges
T.K. Manoj Kumar 
Sai Pradeep G
5
Shaping Sustainable Food Systems 
with Storage Infrastructure
A Pathway to Viksit Bharat
Dr. Neelam Patel 
Dr. Tanu Sethi
25
Mega Food Storage Plan
Challenges and Way ahead
Manjula Wadhwa
19
Institutionalised Management of 
Food Security
FCI’s Role in Safe Storage, Distribution 
and Transportation of Food Grains
Ashok KK Meena
Chandrasen Kumar
31
Entrepreneurial Opportunities 
in Food Storage Infrastructure
Partha Pratim Sahu
46
An Overview 
Traditional Storage Infrastructure 
and Practices in India
Dr. Namrata Singh Panwar
41
ODOP
Providing Framework for Value 
Chain Development
Dr. Amiya Kumar Mohapatra
Dr. Nandeesh V Hiremath
Strong food storage is essential in a country where agriculture is the main driver of the 
economy . In terms of its potential for manufacturing, export, growth, and consumption, India's 
food sector ranks among the largest in the world. The February issue of Kurukshetra delves 
into the critical theme of Food Storage Infrastructure, assessing the current state, identifying 
challenges, and proposing avenues for improvement.
A resilient modern food storage infrastructure is indispensable for India’s journey towards 
food security. The authors of the article Shaping Sustainable Food Systems with Storage 
Infrastructure: A Pathway to Viksit Bharat write that that food grain storage will directly 
support achieving the targets set for the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger, which 
aims to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition and double the agricultural productivity and 
incomes of small-scale food producers.
The article Warehousing: Changing Gears to Meet Present Challenges discusses the 
warehousing facilities in the country and the facilities provided by them. The warehouses are 
seen as vital links within supply chains, as key areas that enable an organisation to regulate the 
flow of goods between supply and demand points.
In the article, Mega Food Storage Plan: Challenges and W ay Ahead, the readers can read 
about the Ministry of Cooperation approving a network of integrated grain storage facilities 
across the country . By utilising the ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach, the new plan calls for the 
construction of a variety of agri-infrastructures at the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies 
(PACS) level, such as processing units, fair price shops, warehouses, and custom hiring facilities.
The article Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Food Storage Infrastructure mentioned 
that the rising demand for processed food could be a great potential opportunity for the 
country’s farmers. Opportunities abound in terms of increased production, greater demand for 
raw materials for value-added products, diversification from grain-based crops to horticulture, 
and production of high-value process-able varieties, all of which tend to boost farmers’ incomes, 
especially small and marginal farmers.  
A comprehensive strategy encompassing governmental reforms, community participation, 
and public-private collaboration is needed as the country focuses on enhancing food security 
to feed its growing population. By prioritising investments in advanced storage facilities and 
promoting sustainable practices, India can fortify its agricultural supply chain, ensuring a stable 
and secure food future for its citizens. We hope that the readers will get an insight into the topic 
as well as the required information related to the subjects. 
"A GRAIN SA VED IS A GRAIN PRODUCED".
Page 4


A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72 | No. 4 | Pages 52 | February 2024
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003  
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ? ? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? Thiruvananthapuram - Press Road, 
Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. Towers, 
Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 
560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 (0612-2675823)  
? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) ? Ahmedabad - Sales 
Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 
Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669) 
CHIEF EDITOR 
Manogyan Rani Pal
EDITOR 
Shiela Chaudhary
JOINT DIRECTOR (PRODUCTION)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
COVER DESIGN
Neeraj Ridlaan
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals Unit 
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAX: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year : ` 230
Contents
5
19
31
41
36
Making India 
the Food Basket of the World
Rajiv Theodore
12
Warehousing
Changing Gears to meet 
Present Challenges
T.K. Manoj Kumar 
Sai Pradeep G
5
Shaping Sustainable Food Systems 
with Storage Infrastructure
A Pathway to Viksit Bharat
Dr. Neelam Patel 
Dr. Tanu Sethi
25
Mega Food Storage Plan
Challenges and Way ahead
Manjula Wadhwa
19
Institutionalised Management of 
Food Security
FCI’s Role in Safe Storage, Distribution 
and Transportation of Food Grains
Ashok KK Meena
Chandrasen Kumar
31
Entrepreneurial Opportunities 
in Food Storage Infrastructure
Partha Pratim Sahu
46
An Overview 
Traditional Storage Infrastructure 
and Practices in India
Dr. Namrata Singh Panwar
41
ODOP
Providing Framework for Value 
Chain Development
Dr. Amiya Kumar Mohapatra
Dr. Nandeesh V Hiremath
Strong food storage is essential in a country where agriculture is the main driver of the 
economy . In terms of its potential for manufacturing, export, growth, and consumption, India's 
food sector ranks among the largest in the world. The February issue of Kurukshetra delves 
into the critical theme of Food Storage Infrastructure, assessing the current state, identifying 
challenges, and proposing avenues for improvement.
A resilient modern food storage infrastructure is indispensable for India’s journey towards 
food security. The authors of the article Shaping Sustainable Food Systems with Storage 
Infrastructure: A Pathway to Viksit Bharat write that that food grain storage will directly 
support achieving the targets set for the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger, which 
aims to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition and double the agricultural productivity and 
incomes of small-scale food producers.
The article Warehousing: Changing Gears to Meet Present Challenges discusses the 
warehousing facilities in the country and the facilities provided by them. The warehouses are 
seen as vital links within supply chains, as key areas that enable an organisation to regulate the 
flow of goods between supply and demand points.
In the article, Mega Food Storage Plan: Challenges and W ay Ahead, the readers can read 
about the Ministry of Cooperation approving a network of integrated grain storage facilities 
across the country . By utilising the ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach, the new plan calls for the 
construction of a variety of agri-infrastructures at the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies 
(PACS) level, such as processing units, fair price shops, warehouses, and custom hiring facilities.
The article Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Food Storage Infrastructure mentioned 
that the rising demand for processed food could be a great potential opportunity for the 
country’s farmers. Opportunities abound in terms of increased production, greater demand for 
raw materials for value-added products, diversification from grain-based crops to horticulture, 
and production of high-value process-able varieties, all of which tend to boost farmers’ incomes, 
especially small and marginal farmers.  
A comprehensive strategy encompassing governmental reforms, community participation, 
and public-private collaboration is needed as the country focuses on enhancing food security 
to feed its growing population. By prioritising investments in advanced storage facilities and 
promoting sustainable practices, India can fortify its agricultural supply chain, ensuring a stable 
and secure food future for its citizens. We hope that the readers will get an insight into the topic 
as well as the required information related to the subjects. 
"A GRAIN SA VED IS A GRAIN PRODUCED".
5 Kurukshetra       February  2024
Shaping Sustainable Food Systems Shaping Sustainable Food Systems 
with Storage Infrastructure with Storage Infrastructure
A Pathway to Viksit Bharat A Pathway to Viksit Bharat
A resilient storage infrastructure holds the key to agrifood systems sustainability that will 
ensure food and nutrition security for future generations, in-tandem with the economic, social, 
and environmental development goals. India is on the path of becoming a developed nation-
Viksit Bharat by 2047.  It is projected that India’s population will be 1.64 billion by 2047, of 
which nearly 0.82 billion will be residing in urban areas. There is a need to strengthen the 
storage infrastructure to meet the food demand of the population and creation of sustainable 
food system.
Page 5


A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72 | No. 4 | Pages 52 | February 2024
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003  
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ? ? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? Thiruvananthapuram - Press Road, 
Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. Towers, 
Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 
560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 (0612-2675823)  
? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) ? Ahmedabad - Sales 
Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 
Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669) 
CHIEF EDITOR 
Manogyan Rani Pal
EDITOR 
Shiela Chaudhary
JOINT DIRECTOR (PRODUCTION)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
COVER DESIGN
Neeraj Ridlaan
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals Unit 
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAX: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year : ` 230
Contents
5
19
31
41
36
Making India 
the Food Basket of the World
Rajiv Theodore
12
Warehousing
Changing Gears to meet 
Present Challenges
T.K. Manoj Kumar 
Sai Pradeep G
5
Shaping Sustainable Food Systems 
with Storage Infrastructure
A Pathway to Viksit Bharat
Dr. Neelam Patel 
Dr. Tanu Sethi
25
Mega Food Storage Plan
Challenges and Way ahead
Manjula Wadhwa
19
Institutionalised Management of 
Food Security
FCI’s Role in Safe Storage, Distribution 
and Transportation of Food Grains
Ashok KK Meena
Chandrasen Kumar
31
Entrepreneurial Opportunities 
in Food Storage Infrastructure
Partha Pratim Sahu
46
An Overview 
Traditional Storage Infrastructure 
and Practices in India
Dr. Namrata Singh Panwar
41
ODOP
Providing Framework for Value 
Chain Development
Dr. Amiya Kumar Mohapatra
Dr. Nandeesh V Hiremath
Strong food storage is essential in a country where agriculture is the main driver of the 
economy . In terms of its potential for manufacturing, export, growth, and consumption, India's 
food sector ranks among the largest in the world. The February issue of Kurukshetra delves 
into the critical theme of Food Storage Infrastructure, assessing the current state, identifying 
challenges, and proposing avenues for improvement.
A resilient modern food storage infrastructure is indispensable for India’s journey towards 
food security. The authors of the article Shaping Sustainable Food Systems with Storage 
Infrastructure: A Pathway to Viksit Bharat write that that food grain storage will directly 
support achieving the targets set for the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger, which 
aims to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition and double the agricultural productivity and 
incomes of small-scale food producers.
The article Warehousing: Changing Gears to Meet Present Challenges discusses the 
warehousing facilities in the country and the facilities provided by them. The warehouses are 
seen as vital links within supply chains, as key areas that enable an organisation to regulate the 
flow of goods between supply and demand points.
In the article, Mega Food Storage Plan: Challenges and W ay Ahead, the readers can read 
about the Ministry of Cooperation approving a network of integrated grain storage facilities 
across the country . By utilising the ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach, the new plan calls for the 
construction of a variety of agri-infrastructures at the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies 
(PACS) level, such as processing units, fair price shops, warehouses, and custom hiring facilities.
The article Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Food Storage Infrastructure mentioned 
that the rising demand for processed food could be a great potential opportunity for the 
country’s farmers. Opportunities abound in terms of increased production, greater demand for 
raw materials for value-added products, diversification from grain-based crops to horticulture, 
and production of high-value process-able varieties, all of which tend to boost farmers’ incomes, 
especially small and marginal farmers.  
A comprehensive strategy encompassing governmental reforms, community participation, 
and public-private collaboration is needed as the country focuses on enhancing food security 
to feed its growing population. By prioritising investments in advanced storage facilities and 
promoting sustainable practices, India can fortify its agricultural supply chain, ensuring a stable 
and secure food future for its citizens. We hope that the readers will get an insight into the topic 
as well as the required information related to the subjects. 
"A GRAIN SA VED IS A GRAIN PRODUCED".
5 Kurukshetra       February  2024
Shaping Sustainable Food Systems Shaping Sustainable Food Systems 
with Storage Infrastructure with Storage Infrastructure
A Pathway to Viksit Bharat A Pathway to Viksit Bharat
A resilient storage infrastructure holds the key to agrifood systems sustainability that will 
ensure food and nutrition security for future generations, in-tandem with the economic, social, 
and environmental development goals. India is on the path of becoming a developed nation-
Viksit Bharat by 2047.  It is projected that India’s population will be 1.64 billion by 2047, of 
which nearly 0.82 billion will be residing in urban areas. There is a need to strengthen the 
storage infrastructure to meet the food demand of the population and creation of sustainable 
food system.
Kurukshetra       February  2024 6
* Dr. Neelam Patel 
** Dr. Tanu Sethi
griculture is the mainstay of the 
Indian economy, which has witnessed 
a magnificent transition from being a 
food deficit to a food surplus and is 
now an agriculture produce exporter 
to the world.  India holds the second-largest agricultural 
land in the world, with over 200 countries in its export 
basket (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 2023). Food 
production in India has increased significantly since the 
last decade, from 244 million tonnes during 2010-11 to 
310 million tonnes during 2021-22 (Fig. 1).  
Since 1951, the Indian population has increased 
from 35.9 crore to 140 crore, and is now estimated 
to be 164 crore by 2047. Under the leadership of 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is on the path of 
becoming a developed nation-Viksit Bharat by 2047- 
marking the centenary year of India’s Independence. 
The vision of a developed nation by 2047 encompasses 
economic growth, social progress, environmental 
sustainability, and good governance (PMO, 2023).  
Currently, the agri-food system is transforming owing 
to the projected social-economic and environmental 
A
* The author is Senior Adviser (Agriculture & Allied Sectors), NITI Aayog. Email: neelam.patel@gov.in
** The author is Senior Associate (Agriculture Vertical), NITI Aayog: Email: tanu.sethi@gov.in
Several initiatives have been undertaken by the Government of India to strengthen 
storage infrastructure in the country.  The largest grain storage structure has been 
approved by the Union Cabinet that will be disseminated through cooperatives. The 
enhanced storage infrastructures will provide robustness to the food value-chain. 
Also, it helps to mitigate post-harvest loss, maintain produce quality, storage of food 
buffer stock, avoid distress sale of produce, and enhance the income of the farmers.
244.48
252.02
285.22
297.5
310.75
315.7
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
2010-11 2014-15 2017-18 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
Production (in million tonnes) 
Year 
Total Foodgrain Production (million tonnes)
Figure 1:  Total Food Production in India over the 
Years
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department 
of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of 
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.