Smart Warehousing System for foodgrain storage to launch June 18 at Bharat Mandapam
Synopsis
India is launching a tech-first overhaul of its foodgrain storage infrastructure on 18 June, deploying AI, IoT, and real-time dashboards across public warehouses. For a country running one of the world's largest food distribution networks, this is less a policy announcement and more a long-overdue infrastructure upgrade with direct implications for reducing wastage and improving supply chain accountability.
Key Takeaways
The Smart Warehousing System will be launched on 18 June 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi .
The system uses AI, IoT, automation, and analytics to modernise foodgrain warehouse operations.
It will automate gate and weighbridge operations , enable digital access management, and provide real-time operational dashboards.
Best-performing warehouses of CWC and FCI under the Depot Darpan framework will be recognised at the launch.
The initiative aligns with Digital India , IndiaAI Mission , PM GatiShakti , and Atmanirbhar Bharat .
The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) is set to launch the Smart Warehousing System for foodgrain storage on 18 June 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi. The initiative marks a significant step in modernising India's public foodgrain storage infrastructure through technology-enabled solutions.
What the Smart Warehousing System Does
The system is designed as an integrated, technology-led platform to overhaul warehouse management practices across India's foodgrain storage network. It will incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and analytics to sharpen operational efficiency and strengthen governance.
According to an official statement, the system will support automation of gate and weighbridge operations, digital access management, intelligent monitoring of warehouse conditions, enhanced inventory visibility, and real-time operational oversight through integrated dashboards.
Policy Alignment and Broader Reform Agenda
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has stated that the initiative aligns with the government's vision under Digital India, the IndiaAI Mission, PM GatiShakti, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. It builds on the DFPD's broader reform agenda aimed at digital transformation across the foodgrain supply chain — spanning procurement, storage, and distribution.
In recent years, multiple initiatives have been undertaken to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and service delivery across these systems, making the Smart Warehousing System the latest in a sustained modernisation push.
Recognising Best-Performing Warehouses
During the launch programme, the DFPD will also felicitate the best-performing warehouses of the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and the Food Corporation of India (FCI), identified under the Depot Darpan assessment framework. Depot Darpan is a structured performance-monitoring mechanism introduced to encourage continuous improvement in infrastructure, operations, safety, hygiene, and service readiness.
Expected Impact on Food Security
The initiative is expected to contribute to the creation of a modern warehousing ecosystem capable of supporting efficient foodgrain management and strengthening long-term food security outcomes. With India managing one of the world's largest public food distribution networks, technology-driven storage upgrades carry direct implications for supply chain integrity and wastage reduction.
All eyes will now be on implementation timelines and the rollout of the system across CWC and FCI depots nationwide.
Point of View
But the gap between announcement and ground-level adoption at FCI and CWC depots has historically been wide. The Depot Darpan framework, which this initiative builds on, is a positive structural foundation, but felicitating top performers means little if the bottom quartile of warehouses remains unreformed. The real test will be whether technology penetration reaches the last-mile depot, not just the showcase facilities in urban centres.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smart Warehousing System being launched by the government?
The Smart Warehousing System is an integrated, technology-led platform being launched by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) to modernise foodgrain storage operations in India. It uses AI, IoT, automation, and analytics to improve warehouse efficiency, inventory visibility, and governance.
When and where will the Smart Warehousing System be launched?
The system will be launched on 18 June 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi.
What is the Depot Darpan framework?
Depot Darpan is a structured assessment and performance-monitoring framework introduced by the DFPD to evaluate warehouses on infrastructure, operations, safety, hygiene, and service readiness. The best-performing CWC and FCI warehouses under this framework will be recognised at the Smart Warehousing System launch.
Which government programmes does the Smart Warehousing System align with?
The initiative aligns with Digital India, the IndiaAI Mission, PM GatiShakti, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, as stated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
How will the Smart Warehousing System improve food security in India?
By automating gate and weighbridge operations, enabling real-time inventory monitoring, and providing integrated operational dashboards, the system aims to reduce inefficiencies and wastage across India's public foodgrain storage network, thereby strengthening long-term food security outcomes.
