I was into a project regarding storage and supply chain . The
primary data we needed was to know the movement of commodities and requirement
of space. Warehouses are supposed to be the loci in the supply chain, so we started with warehouses. To know the supply chain better and requirement of storage space we contacted warehouses for data pertaining to it. Only one of 3 warehouses were able to map the movement plan in last 5 years. Most of the warehouses ended up in saying they do not map the requirement of space or movement plans. Data is a
backbone for any research so ultimately the research could not be carried out.
This incident
made us to learn - 1. The warehouses in India has not changed for last 60 years when it comes to operation. 2.
Maintenance of records are also on the same track. 3. There is lack of making system efficient through vertical and horizontal field co-ordination.
An update and upgrade of working of warehouses is required so that data management should get easy and hassle free. The logic of logistics fails if data does not merry with it. With increase in population and production of foodgrains it became imperative to have highly efficient storage structures with proper logistic system.
An update and upgrade of working of warehouses is required so that data management should get easy and hassle free. The logic of logistics fails if data does not merry with it. With increase in population and production of foodgrains it became imperative to have highly efficient storage structures with proper logistic system.
The other thing that we observed was the continuation of primitive storage techniques. Most
of the warehouses man were knowing the qualitative norms but they were not
knowing the health hazards of it, the reason of treatment and the most
important the IPM concepts. The major research center of storage of foodgrain has not updated the storage agencies with latest research and
the preservation techniques. The concept of preservation technique is based on
standard bag but the actual preservation technique adopted by various storage
agencies are based on actual weight of the content.
After going through the storage Technic practices, it was quite obivious that no one paid heed to the redundancy of the techniques. The insect was more resistive now but the doses of insecticide and its formulation continues to be the same.
There is need of upgrading and updating the warehouses and the storage techniques. WDRA and other regulatory bodies should start framing the policies at the earliest. As growing produce simply will not satiate the hungry stomach but a proper storage techniques and efficient logistic system. We are now focusing on storage structures. Silos are one them. Although bit late but its never late to start a good thing. Ministry of Consumers affairs , Food and Public distribution has approved 100 LMT capacity construction of steel Silos. But does the silos will answer the requirement and efficiency of storage and supply chain?
Question to the readers:- What is standard bag in storage system and how does the concept help in maintaining quality of stored food grains?
