File Photo: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday launched the smart warehousing system of state-owned Central Warehousing Corporations (CWC) that uses modern technologies like AI to help monitor inventory and real-time operations in 216 grain warehouses through integrated dashboards.

Foodgrains meant for distribution through the Public Distribution System (PDS) are stored in CWC and FCI depots. The smart warehousing system is being introduced to ensure transparency and curb foodgrains diversion.

After the launch, Joshi said, "It is our responsibility to keep the foodgrains safe and secure", and use of technologies is helping strengthen the PDS.

Smart warehousing is not only a technology initiative, but it is also a food security initiative, he said.

"Under smart warehousing system, 216 CWC warehouses are equipped with a surveillance system to ensure foodgrains are stored in a scientific manner, not susceptible to proliferation," Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said.

Very shortly, FCI will follow suit. About 150 FCI warehouses will be under the smart warehousing system by October, he said.

Under the smart warehousing system, CWC is deploying advanced AI and IoT-driven technologies in foodgrain and general warehouses.

It is also using FASTag and ANPR-based gate automation integration with VAHAN-SARATHI databases, smart locking system for controlled godown access, AI-based bag counting, face recognition-enabled authorised quality inspections, IoT gas sensors for carbon dioxide and Phosphine monitoring, and AI surveillance for fire, smoke and rodent detection.

These are integrated with the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, generating automated records, real-time alerts and multi-level operational dashboards.

These interventions reduce manual dependence at critical points, such as gates, weighbridges and godowns, while creating cleaner records, faster movement, stronger controls and better monitoring from the warehouse level to the ministry.

Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, CWC Managing Director Santosh Singh and other senior officials were present at the event.

Published on June 18, 2026