The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) is set to launch the “Depot Darpan” portal and mobile application, a digital initiative aimed at ensuring the highest quality and performance standards across India’s network of food storage depots. This was announced by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution on May 1, 2025.
The DFPD is responsible for safeguarding food security for over 80 crore beneficiaries through a system of scientific warehousing and smart storage solutions for food grains. The “Depot Darpan” (literally translating to “Depot Mirror”) is envisioned as a tool that will enable depot managers to evaluate their infrastructure, operational, and financial performance on a near real-time basis, fostering transparency and efficiency.
Key Features of the Depot Darpan System
Depot managers will upload geo-tagged inputs detailing the infrastructure available at their depot. This data will then generate automated ratings and identify specific action points for timely improvements.
The system incorporates a robust validation mechanism with 100% verification by supervisory officers, further strengthened by random third-party audits to ensure accuracy and accountability.
Warehouses will be evaluated based on two primary categories:
- Infrastructural Aspects: This includes safety standards, storage conditions, environmental parameters, technology adoption, and adherence to statutory regulations.
- Operational Efficiency Aspects: This encompasses stock turnover rates, storage losses, space utilization, manpower expenses, and overall profitability.
Each warehouse will receive a Star rating based on a composite score derived from both infrastructural and operational efficiency parameters, providing a clear and easily understandable performance indicator.
Depot Darpan is uniquely integrated with cutting-edge smart warehousing technologies, creating a seamless digital monitoring ecosystem. This includes:
- CCTV Surveillance and IoT Sensors to monitor in real-time parameters such as CO₂ and Phosphine levels, fire hazards, humidity, unauthorized entry, and temperature.
- Ambient Sensors to track temperature and relative humidity to manage grain moisture.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sensors to monitor for potential grain infestation.
- Phosphine Gas Sensors to ensure worker safety by providing early warnings against toxic gas levels and detecting fumigation leakages.
- Gate Shutter Sensors to detect unauthorized door access and monitoring door status during fumigation and ventilation processes.
- Fire/Smoke Sensors to povide early warnings to prevent fire damage and ensure safety.
The initiative also includes the pilot deployment of AI-based technology for bag counting, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for vehicle identification, and Face Recognition Technology (FRS) for access control and enhanced security.
The Depot Darpan mobile app will allow supervisory officials to track warehouse performance anytime and anywhere, facilitating better decision-making and proactive management.
Automated reports generated by the system will be utilized in regular reviews, driving continuous and seamless improvements in both infrastructure and operational efficiency.
The Depot Darpan initiative aims to be a true reflection of warehousing excellence, promising improved operational efficiency within the public distribution system. By ensuring every grain is scientifically stored, it reinforces the nation’s commitment to food security.
The Depot Darpan portal and mobile application are scheduled for a formal inauguration by the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy on May 20, 2025.
