CWC told to double storage capacity, achieve Rs10,000-cr turnover
07 Apr 2021
The government proposes a modernisation-cum-expansion programme of the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) to double its current storage capacity by the end of 2023 and achieve a turnover of Rs10,000 crore by FY 2024-25.
CWC should build modern silos so that 100 per cent stock of food grains could be stored for longer period, union minister of food and public distribution and consumer affairs, railways and commerce and industry Piyush Goyal has said.
CWC has been asked to prepare a masterplan for upgradation of its all 423 warehouses, having complete basic public/staff amenities and additional infrastructure to be developed by 2024-25, Goyal said at a review of the modernisation plan of Central Warehouse Corporation.
Goyal said that CWC should double its warehouse storage capacity by end of year 2023 and achieve a turnover of Rs10,000 crore by the financial year 2024-25. At present, CWC has a storage capacity of 12.5 million tonnes.
Goyal said that the tariff rationalisation and setting of warehouses should be done independently by CWC without any bureaucratic interference. He said that maximum powers of decision making for operations should be delegated to the CWC. He also asked CWC to focus on building of cold chain storage in the country on priority basis. Goyal instructed CWC to do audit for fire safety, earthquakes, burglary and accidents at all its warehouses on a regular basis.
Further, Goyal said, CWC should build modern silos for wheat and rice storage all over the country, so that maximum grains could be stored in the country for longer periods.
CWC, he said, should build more cold chain facilities for storage onion, potato and tomato in coordination with NAFED.
The Minister suggested that CWC should prepare a masterplan for upgradation of its all 423 warehouses. CWC should do the warehouse / storage gap analysis for agricultural produce and accordingly prepare plans with the help of architects and experts, he said.
The minister further said that CWC should work in mission mode for taking care of all stakeholders, ie, staff, clients, workers, truck drivers.
He said all CWC warehouses must have modern and convenience facilities, like toilets for male, female workers, customers, drivers and divyangs, proper waiting rooms/restroom, worker-shed, drinking water facilities and other basic amenities with neat and clean ambience.