SMART FOOD GRAIN STORAGE SYSTEM (SAFEETY) TECHNOLOGY

In February 2024, The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) transferred the ‘Smart Food Grain Storage System’ (SAFEETY) technology to Paras Defense and Space Technology Ltd.

Development of SAFEETY Technology

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1. SAFEETY technology was developed by the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER).

• SAMEER is an autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• SAMEER is engaged in active research in the broad area of microwaves and undertakes various state-of -the-art and challenging projects.

Features of SAFEETY:  

1. Features conveyorized loading & unloading of grain bags equipped with RFID for traceability.
2. Incorporates online weight and moisture measurement capabilities.
3. Utilizes radio frequency-based removal of moisture from grain.
4. This advanced system can handle nearly one truckload (approximately 28 tons) of grains in just 40 minutes.
5. The transfer signifies progress towards realizing the Innovation, Science, and Technology theme of Viksit Bharat @2047.
6. It highlights collaboration between government entities and the private industry to leverage technology for national progress and development.

Why is there a need for a Smart Food Grain Storage System (SAFEETY)?

1. Limited Agricultural Output: India represents 18% of the global population but utilizes only 11% of available arable land.
2. Insufficient Storage Capacity: India's storage facilities accommodate only 145 MMT of food grain, covering 47% of the total 311 MMT production.
3. Food Security Challenges: The FCI exceeds its buffer capacity, necessitating a reliable network of food grain storage facilities.
4. Economic Sustainability of Agriculture: Effective storage solutions will minimize waste, stabilize agricultural prices amidst market variations, and boost food grain exports.
5. Enhanced Preservation Techniques: Develop and implement improved preservation techniques to extend the shelf life of stored grains, reducing spoilage and ensuring food security for longer durations.
6. Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Construct climate-resilient storage infrastructure equipped to withstand extreme weather events and environmental conditions, safeguarding stored grains against damage and loss due to adverse climate impacts.

What are the initiatives taken for the Smart Food Grain Storage System?

1. "World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector" approved to establish decentralized storage capacity at the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies level.
2. Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme for construction/renovation of godowns/warehouses in rural areas.
3. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund provides financing facilities for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
4. Technology Adoption Support Program to support farmers and cooperatives in adopting advanced storage technologies by providing subsidies or grants for equipment purchase and installation.
5. Allocation of research and development grants to encourage innovation in food grain storage solutions, fostering the creation of new technologies and systems to address storage challenges efficiently.

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