ICAR and FCI sign MoU on alternative fumigation for safe foodgrain storage
On 30 September 2026 the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Food Corporation of India signed an MoU to research alternatives to chemical fumigation – nitrogen, carbon dioxide and CO2-phosphine – for wheat and rice storage, with ICAR-CIPHET Ludhiana implementing a two-year first phase.
Summary
The study, supported by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, responds to heavy reliance on aluminium phosphide and malathion, which has led to pest resistance of 72–100% in key states. Phase-I will be implemented by ICAR–Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana. Trials include nitrogen gas fumigation of wheat in metal silos and CO2 and CO2+phosphine fumigation of bagged wheat and rice.
Key facts
- MoU
- ICAR and FCI, 30 September 2026
- Aim
- Alternative fumigation for stored wheat and rice
- Gases
- Nitrogen (>99%), CO2, CO2 + phosphine
- Implementing institute
- ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana (Phase-I, 2 years)
- Problem
- Pest resistance 72–100% from aluminium phosphide and malathion
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Under the ICAR–FCI MoU of September 2026 on alternative fumigation of stored grain, which institute will implement Phase-I?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana
The two-year Phase-I project will be implemented by ICAR–Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana.