The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, ensures food security for over 80 crore beneficiaries through scientific warehousing and smart storage solutions for food grains.

DFPD is now envisaging the Depot Darpan portal and mobile application with the objective to ensure that the Food Storage depots meet the highest quality and performance standards. It enables Depot managers to evaluate infrastructure, operational and financial performance on a near real-time basis

Depot Managers upload geo-tagged inputs of the infrastructure available in their depot, generating automated ratings and action points for timely improvements. The system ensures 100% validation by the supervisory officers and random third-party audits.

The warehouses are assessed based on two main categories:

• Infrastructural aspects which include safety standards, storage conditions, environmental, technology adoption and statutory parameters.
• Operational efficiency aspects which include stock turnover, losses, space utilization, manpower expenses, and profitability.

Each category is evaluated independently, and the warehouse receives a Star rating based on the composite scoring from both parameters.

Depot Darpan is uniquely integrated with smart warehousing technologies, creating a seamless digital monitoring ecosystem that includes: CCTV Surveillance and IoT sensors, monitoring key parameters such as CO₂ & Phosphine levels, fire hazards, humidity, unauthorized entry and temperature in real time thereby, ensuring security and efficiency in food grain storage.

The IoT-Enabled Monitoring includes:

1. Ambient sensor - Temperature and relative humidity to monitor grain moisture and temperature
2. Carbon dioxide (CO2) - To monitor and indicate potential grain infestation
3. Phosphine gas sensor - Ensures occupational safety for workers through early warning to prevent exposure to toxic gas levels Detects fumigation leakages, increasing effectiveness of treatment
4. Gate Shutter sensor - Detection of unauthorized door access. - Alerts for unauthorized door openings outside designated hours. Monitors door status during fumigation processes. Ensures proper ventilation by tracking door openings as required.
5. Fire/smoke sensor- Provides early warning to prevent fire-related damage and ensure safety.

In addition, AI based technology for bag counting, ANPR (Automatic Number plate Recognition) for vehicle identification and tracking, and Face Recognition technology (FRS) for access control and security are also deployed in warehouses on pilot basis.

A total of around 2278 warehouses including those owned by FCI & CWC and that hired from State agencies/ private will be onboarded in this digital initiative.

Depot Darpan mobile app allows supervisory officials to track warehouse performance anytime, anywhere, supporting better decision making. Automated reports are used in regular reviews, leading to continuous and seamless improvements in infrastructure and efficiency.

Depot Darpan, a mirror of warehousing excellence, ensures improved warehousing and greater operational efficiency in the public distribution system and reinforces the commitment to the nation’s food security with every grain scientifically stored.

Depot Darpan portal and mobile application shall be formally inaugurated by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy on 20^th May, 2025.

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

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