The Tamil Nadu Warehousing Corporation has drawn up an ambitious plan to increase its storage capacity in the State, from 6.68 lakh tonnes to 8.71 lakh tonnes, by setting up 39 godowns in 20 locations by 2014.
At present, TNWC has 252 godowns in 57 locations to store agriculture products, and the occupancy ratio is over 86 per cent. Most of these godowns have a maximum storage capacity of 5,000 tonnes each.
By the year end, TNWC is expected to add nine godowns in two places with a capacity of 36,400 tonnes, while it might take one more year for another 30 godowns in 18 sites to be ready.
According to sources, it was planned in April to build 44 godowns in phases accounting for 45,000 tonne capacity, followed by 33,400 tonne and 1.25 lakh tonne.
In the first phase, nine godowns have been constructed under the Private Entrepreneur Godown Scheme. Five godowns built at Karaikudi, Arupukottai and Kovilpatti were inaugurated on April 15. Remaining four godowns at Maduranthakam and Chinnasalem would be commissioned by July and August at a cost of Rs.10 crore.
Talking to The Hindu , a TNWC official said they had decided to construct 10 more godowns at a cost of Rs.23 crore in two parts. About five godowns would be completed by December 2013 for which preliminary works had begun.
In the first part, the godowns would come up in Athur, Krishnagiri, Vellore and Manamadurai with a storage capacity of 3,400 tonne each, while the one at Vathalagundu with 2,800-tonne capacity would cost Rs.10 crore.
The second phase would cover Nagapattinam, Tiruchengode, Tirupattur, Valangaiman and Nannilam.
These godowns would have a storage capacity of 3,400 tonne each, for which civil works have been initiated and the investment is Rs.13 crore.
Referring to the Chief Minister’s recent statement regarding construction of 25 godowns with a capacity of 1.25 lakh tonne costing Rs.73 crore, he said these godowns would come up at Salem, Dharmapuri, Theni, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Musiri and Ranipet.
