✎ World's largest decentralized grain storage scheme aims to enhance food security and reduce post-harvest losses through cooperative-led infrastructure in 4 states.
Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Polity & Governance
The Union Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, recently highlighted the progress of the world’s largest decentralized food grain storage scheme, implemented across Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The initiative, aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), has sanctioned 168 projects, with 119 already completed and five under construction. Andhra Pradesh leads with 117 approved and constructed warehouses, while Bihar has the highest number of PACS (5,828) operating custom hiring centers and fair-price shops. The scheme ensures compliance with technical standards set by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), facilitating electronic warehouse receipts (e-NWRs) to enhance market access for farmers. Subsidies under the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme have been disbursed—Rs 5.06 crore to Bihar, Rs 0.13 crore to Madhya Pradesh, and Rs 0.05 crore to Uttar Pradesh—while Andhra Pradesh received none.
This scheme holds significant relevance for Banking, SSC, and RBI Grade B examinations, particularly in sections covering government schemes, rural development, and cooperative governance. For banking aspirants, understanding decentralized storage models and PACS operations is crucial, as these entities play a key role in agricultural credit and rural financing. SSC candidates may encounter questions on subsidies, infrastructure development, and state-wise allocations, while RBI Grade B officers need to grasp the regulatory framework (WDRA) and its impact on agricultural markets. The scheme’s emphasis on e-NWRs also ties into digital governance and financial inclusion, making it a potential topic for descriptive answers in exams.
Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)
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