ICAR and FCI Sign MoU to Develop Alternative Fumigation Methods for Foodgrain Storage

30 September 2026, New Delhi

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to undertake research on alternate fumigation technologies for the safe and sustainable storage of food commodities.

The research programme, supported by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution through the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD), will be implemented by ICAR–Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (ICAR-CIPHET), Ludhiana in two phases.  Phase- I of the project has been approved with a total budget outlay of ₹3.28 crore for a period of two years. ICAR-CIPHET will undertake field validation of alternate fumigation technologies at FCI-designated storage sites in the Punjab region.

The MoU was signed by Dr Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET and Dr A.K. Sinha, Executive Director (Quality Control), FCI  in the presence of the Dr M. L Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR; Dr Rajbir Singh Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering), Dr D.K. Yadav Deputy Director General (Crop Science), Dr K. Narsaiah, Assistant Director General (Processing Engineering); ICAR.

The research assumes considerable importance for strengthening the scientific and sustainable management of stored foodgrains in India. Conventional stored-grain protection currently depends predominantly on chemical fumigants, particularly phosphine. Occupational exposure, environmental concerns, residue-related issues and the limited availability of effective fumigant options further emphasize the need for scientifically validated alternatives.

 Under the programme, ICAR-CIPHET will evaluate and develop operational protocols for controlled and modified atmosphere technologies, including nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in combination with Phosphine (PH3) based treatments. The programme is expected to generate scientifically standardized, scalable alternatives to conventional chemical fumigation and strengthening the long-term sustainability of stored-grain pest management in India.