India Launches AI-Powered Smart Warehousing for Foodgrain Storage

The Smart Warehousing System has already been rolled out across 215 bag-based foodgrain warehouses operated by the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).

India has taken a major step in modernising its foodgrain storage infrastructure with the launch of a nationwide Smart Warehousing System that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to improve storage, monitoring and management of food stocks.

The system was launched by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, was also present at the event.

Officials described the initiative as the world's largest deployment of AI and IoT technologies in public sector foodgrain warehousing.

Advanced Technology Introduced Across Hundreds of Warehouses

The Smart Warehousing System has already been rolled out across 215 bag-based foodgrain warehouses operated by the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC). The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is extending the system to another 150 warehouses. The platform combines several modern technologies designed to improve efficiency and strengthen monitoring throughout warehouse operations.

Key features include FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-based gate automation, geo-tagged smart locks for access control, AI-driven bag counting, face recognition systems, object detection technology and IoT-enabled monitoring of environmental conditions. The system also uses AI-powered surveillance tools capable of detecting fire, smoke and rodent activity, helping warehouse managers identify risks before they become major problems.

Faster Operations and Better Protection of Food Stocks

Authorities expect the new technology to significantly improve warehouse performance by reducing vehicle turnaround times, increasing transparency and strengthening compliance measures. Real-time monitoring and automated data collection will provide warehouse operators with greater visibility into daily operations while reducing reliance on manual processes.

The platform supports enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration, automated record generation and advanced analytics, allowing managers to make faster and more informed decisions. According to the government, these improvements will help ensure scientific storage practices and better preservation of foodgrain stocks across the country.

Strengthening Food Security Through Digital Innovation

Speaking at the launch, Joshi said the government remains focused on strengthening India's food security framework through technology-driven reforms. He noted that the initiative will benefit farmers, warehouse operators and more than 80 crore beneficiaries who rely on the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The minister also highlighted broader digitisation efforts within the food distribution sector. Through various digital reforms, the government has identified and removed more than 2.43 crore ineligible ration cards, improving transparency and ensuring that food subsidies reach eligible beneficiaries. The Smart Warehousing System joins a growing list of digital initiatives introduced by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, including SMART PDS, Anna Chakra, Depot Darpan, ASHA, SCAN and Anna Darpan.

During the event, the department honoured the 20 best-performing warehouses under the Depot Darpan assessment framework and unveiled several publications focused on food security, grain storage and digital governance. The new warehousing platform supports national programmes such as Digital India, the IndiaAI Mission, PM GatiShakti and Atmanirbhar Bharat, reinforcing the government's efforts to build a more efficient and technology-driven foodgrain management system for the future.