New Delhi, May 1 (HS): In a significant step towards modernizing and making India’s food security system more effective, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Prahlad Joshi will formally inaugurate the ‘Depot Darpan’ portal and mobile application on May 20.

This initiative has been undertaken by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), aimed at ensuring quality storage of food grains for over 800 million beneficiaries across the country. Through the ‘Depot Darpan’ portal and app, a digital assessment of 2,278 warehouses in the country will be conducted, which include warehouses of FCI, CWC, and state agencies. This system allows depot managers to evaluate the location, infrastructure, operations, and financial performance of their depots in almost real-time. Automatic ratings and corrective suggestions are also generated based on geo-tagged information.

Integrated with smart warehousing technologies, this system is equipped with a sensor-based monitoring mechanism that includes CCTV, IoT sensors, CO2 and phosphine levels, temperature, humidity, fire, and unauthorized entry monitoring. Additionally, AI-based bag counting, vehicle identification (ANPR), and facial recognition systems have also been deployed on a pilot basis.

Warehouses will be given star ratings in two categories: infrastructure and operational efficiency, which will promote the continuous improvement process. Supervisory officials will be able to monitor warehouses from anywhere via the app, making the decision-making process faster and more effective. The ‘Depot Darpan’ initiative will set a new benchmark for transparency, efficiency, and accountability in India’s food security system.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar