The Department of Food and Public Distribution deploys the world’s largest AI and IoT-based smart warehousing system across 365 CWC and FCI warehouses at a ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam on June 18, 2026.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi launched the Smart Warehousing System for foodgrain storage at a ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on June 18, 2026, in the presence of Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya.
The system, developed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, is described as the world’s largest deployment of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things-based technologies in public sector foodgrain warehousing. The initiative has been implemented across 215 bag-based foodgrain warehouses of the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) deploying the system across an additional 150 warehouses.
The Smart Warehousing System integrates FASTag and ANPR-based gate automation, geo-tagged smart locks for access control, AI-enabled bag counting, face recognition, object detection, IoT-based environmental monitoring and AI-powered surveillance for fire, smoke and rodent detection, alongside ERP integration, automated record generation and advanced analytics.
Joshi stated that the system will ensure scientific storage and better preservation of foodgrains, benefitting farmers, warehouse operators and over 80 crore beneficiaries covered under the Public Distribution System. He also noted that through various digital interventions, over 2.43 crore ineligible ration cards have been identified and removed, improving the targeted delivery of food subsidies. During the event, the Best Performing 20 Warehouses of CWC and FCI identified under the Depot Darpan assessment framework were felicitated. Several publications were also unveiled, including the Smart Warehousing Manual containing Standard Operating Procedures for IoT-enabled systems, alongside guides and handbooks for grain storage and Fair Price Shop dealers. DFPD has introduced several digital platforms in recent years including SMART PDS, Anna Chakra, Depot Darpan, ASHA, SCAN and Anna Darpan to strengthen procurement, storage, logistics and foodgrain distribution systems across the country.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
