Telangana plans modern grain silos across 20 locations to strengthen paddy storage
Hyderabad: The Telangana government plans to establish Modern grain silos at 20 locations across 10 major paddy-producing districts to strengthen storage infrastructure and improve post-harvest management.
Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced the proposal during a review meeting with representatives of leading grain storage and logistics companies. The proposed network will initially provide a gross storage capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes. Moreover, the facilities will operate alongside the existing procurement and storage system.
Modern grain silos to strengthen storage network
The government aims to reduce storage losses, improve grain handling and enhance the efficiency of grain movement across the state. However, Uttam Kumar Reddy clarified that the new infrastructure would complement the existing procurement ecosystem. He also directed officials to assess the financial implications before taking a final decision.
The Minister said Self-Help Groups operating IKP procurement centres and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies would continue to play a key role in procurement and grain management activities.
Representatives of FAMSUN Storage Engineering Company Limited presented advanced grain storage technologies and automated handling systems during the meeting.
Modern grain silos to improve efficiency
Company representatives explained that the proposed system automates grain intake, testing, storage and dispatch operations. As a result, mechanised unloading systems can help address labour shortages, especially during the peak Rabi procurement season when extreme heat affects workforce availability.
Under the proposed model, officials will sample, test and digitally approve grain before unloading. Subsequently, automated systems will transfer the grain into storage facilities.
The companies stated that the technology could reduce vehicle turnaround time from several days to nearly one hour. Consequently, procurement centres could handle larger volumes with greater efficiency.
Modern grain silos to use digital monitoring
The proposed storage facilities will use digital sensors to continuously monitor temperature, moisture and storage conditions. In addition, automated aeration systems and scientific pest-control measures will help preserve grain quality and minimise storage losses.
Officials noted that similar quality-control procedures would continue during dispatch through the Public Distribution System and open market channels.
The proposed infrastructure also includes dedicated railway connectivity. Therefore, grain can move efficiently from surplus-producing regions to consumption centres while maintaining quality standards.
During the discussions, company representatives cited Bangladesh’s modern grain storage network as a successful model for large-scale scientific storage and logistics management. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed the companies to submit detailed proposals identifying suitable locations, storage capacities and implementation strategies.
He said the government would examine the proposals as part of broader efforts to strengthen procurement, storage and distribution systems while ensuring uninterrupted services through SHGs, IKP centres and PACS.