Report On Warehouse

M ACRO /F INANCE G ROUP
Report on warehousing in India

Study commissioned by the
Warehousing Development and
Regulatory Authority
N ATIONAL I NSTITUTE OF P UBLIC F INANCE

AND P OLICY
September 1, 2015
Contents
Acronyms
1
Introduction
1.1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.1
11
Literature Review
13
2.1
State of Indian Agriculture Warehousing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
2.1.1
Current capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
2.1.2
Categories of warehouses
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Market failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
2.2.1
Information asymmetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
2.2.2
Inadequate nationwide regulation and enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Market-based solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
2.3.1
Collateral management services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
2.3.2
Closed User Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
Promoting warehousing in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
2.4.1
Gramin Bhandaran Yojana (GBY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
2.4.2
Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG), 2008 Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
2.5
Warehouse receipt financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
2.6
Uses of Negotiable Warehouse Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
2.7
Regulating warehousing effectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
2.2
2.3
2.4
Terms of reference for this study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methodology
23
3.1
Sampling Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
3.1.1
District selection and criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
3.2
Details of the participants/ respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
3.3
Detailed study schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
3.3.1
Number of respondents covered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
3.4
Selection strategy of respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
3.5
Data collection procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
3.6
4
28
Findings of the study
31
4.1
The market for warehouse receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
4.1.1
Utility of storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
4.1.2
Types of warehouse receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
4.1.3
Pledge finance market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
Warehousing business operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37
4.2.1
Profiles of users of warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37
4.2.2
Profiles of operators of warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37
4.2.3
Warehousing facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
4.2.4
Key aspects of the warehousing business and related processes . . . . . . . . . . .
40
4.3
Risks associated with storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
4.4
Experiences of consumers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
4.4.1
Categories of users who use warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
4.4.2
The factors that depositors consider while choosing a warehouse . . . . . . . . . .
49
4.4.3
The concerns of depositors with regard to storage of commodities . . . . . . . . .
50
4.4.4
Incidences of disputes and how they were resolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
4.4.5
Perception and usage of government run schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
Infrastructure for e-NWRs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
4.2
4.5
5
Data analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analysis and recommendations
55
5.1
The market for warehouse receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
5.1.1
Analysis of findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
5.1.2
Recommendations for improving the market for warehouse receipts . . . . . . . .
56
Warehousing business operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56
5.2.1
56
5.2.2
Recommendations for regulating warehousing business operations . . . . . . . . .
58
Risks associated with storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
5.3.1
59
5.3.2
Recommendations for mitigating risks in the warehousing business . . . . . . . .
59
Experiences of consumers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59
5.4.1
59
5.4.2
Recommendations for improving the warehouse user experience . . . . . . . . . .
60
Infrastructure for e-NWRs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
61
5.5.1
61
5.5.2
Recommendations for building infrastructure for e-NWRs . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
Consolidated Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
A Annexure: Survey questions
67
A.1 Questionnaire for CWC & SWC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67
A.2 Questionnaire for WSPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
68
A.3 Questionnaire for banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
A.4 Questionnaire for warehouse owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
A.5 Questionnaire for traders & others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
71
A.6 Questionnaire for farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
72
B Annexure: District Profiles
75
Acronyms
APMC
Agricultural Produce Marketing

Committee.
CCI
The Cotton Corporation of India.
CMC
Collateral Management Company.
CMS
Capital Markets Services.
CUG
Closed User Group.
CWC
Central Warehousing Corporation.
FCI
Food Corporation of India.
FMC
Forward Markets Commission.
FPO
Farmer Producer Organisation.
HAFED
The Haryana State Cooperative

Supply and Marketing Federation Limited.
NABARD
National Bank for Agricultural

and Rural Development.
NBHC
National Bulk Handling Corporation Ltd..
NCDEX
National
Commodity
and
Derivatives Exchange.
NCMSL
National Collateral Management Services Ltd..
NFL
National Fertilizers Limited.
NIPFP
National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.
NWR
Negotiable Warehouse Receipt.
PACS
Primary
Agriculture
Co-
operative Society.
PDS
Public Distribution System.
RBI
Reserve Bank of India.
SAP
Systems, Applications and Products data management solutions.
SSL
Shree Shubham Logistics Pvt.

Ltd..
SWC
State Warehousing Corporation.
WDRA
Warehousing Development and

Regulatory Authority.
WhO
Warehouse Owner.
WR
Warehouse Receipt.
WSP
Warehouse Service Provider.
Executive Summary
Warehousing in India has been linked to food
India more credible and trustworthy. Proper im-
security and agricultural growth. The Central Gov-
plementation of the WDR Act will enhance the
ernment established state owned and controlled
credibility of warehousing and enable the market
warehousing corporations to enable better storage
to grow and service a variety of consumers such
of agricultural commodities in the 1950s. Over
as traders, farmers, banks (involved in pledge fi-
the last two decades, the need for warehousing has
nancing) and exchanges.
also been felt in non-agricultural sectors such as
WDRA commissioned the Macro/Finance
retail commerce. Warehousing is now seen as an
Group, National Institute of Public Finance and
integral part of the supply chain where goods are
Policy (NIPFP) to conduct a qualitative sample
not only stored for safekeeping, but also where
study on the warehousing market across the coun-
other value processes are implemented, thereby
try. This was the result of a felt need to understand
minimising wastage and costs.
the agricultural warehousing market and the ex-
Warehousing is regulated by state governments
periences of different stakeholders in this market
and most states have warehousing laws under
from a first hand perspective. Over the course of
which they license warehouses. In 2007, the Par-
three months, NIPFP has conducted focus group
liament passed the Warehousing (Development
discussions and in depth interviews with different
and Regulation) Act, 2007, which came into force
stakeholders across the country. These responses
on October 25, 2010. This created the Warehous-
have been collated as findings and analysed in the
ing Development and Regulatory Authority, a cen-
report.
tral regulator for Negotiable Warehouse Receipts
Warehousing in agriculture is part of the larger
(NWRs).
agricultural ecosystem. Just like agriculture, the
The WDR Act is an:
warehousing market is local, unorganised, and
Act to make provisions for the development
fragmented. National standards have not yet been
and regulation of warehouses, negotiability of
uniformly adopted or mandated, and the quality of
warehouse receipts, establishment of a Warehous-
warehousing and the contractual obligations that
ing Development and Regulatory Authority and
Warehouse Service Providers (WSPs) enter into,
for matters connected therewith or incidental
vary widely across regions.
thereto.1
Large, organised corporate entities have entered
Warehousing Development and Regulatory Au-
this market in the past decade, and many are grow-
thority (WDRA) was established to regulate the
ing rapidly. They offer better quality services,
market in NWRs, so as to make warehousing in
have better internal systems and processes and

1 See
can make greater capital investment into the busi-
preamble of the WDR Act
ness. Over time, market consolidation is likely to
ing and quality of infrastructure are important con-
occur along segments. For example, there may
siderations (other than storage and labour costs).
emerge a few dominant national players in spe-
Most users have started graduating towards larger,
cific kinds of commodities, or types of storage
nationally operating WSPs. Other than warehous-
(cold storages, for example).
ing and collateral management, WSPs also offer
However, due to high land costs capital invest-
in some cases, to help clients purchase and sell
ment into building new warehousing infrastruc-
commodities. For some bank branches, WSPs
ture is limited. Many WSPs prefer to offer storage
also track market prices of pledged commodities
related services (such as collateral management)
to help banks have an accurate view of their mar-
in rented warehouses. As per some conversations,
gins against loans.
this is beginning to change as consumers (mainly
A warehouse is the most likely, and efficient
banks), start demanding better services, and ware-
location for aggregation of agricultural produce.
house availability decreases.
WSPs are providing value added services that reg-
The governments focus has been on encourag-
ulated markets currently provide (for example,
ing farmers to use warehouses in order to access
assaying of commodities, checking quantity, ser-
post-harvest credit. Lending against agricultural
vices with regard to buying and selling of com-
commodities stored in warehouses is generally
modities, etc). In addition, the legal obligation
considered safe as the commodity is good col-
to preserve the commodity as per the information
lateral. Different sources have estimated a fairly
provided in the Warehouse Receipts (WRs) issued
large potential for pledge financing to grow in
by them creates the foundations for a national mar-
India. However, the main users of warehouses
ket in agriculture, based on the credibility of the
and the main beneficiaries of pledge financing are
warehouse receipts issued by WSPs.
traders who use pledge financing to hedge or tide
WDRA is the appropriate authority to drive
over liquidity constraints.
this effort. A state has limited resources, and its
WSPs are value enhancing intermediaries in
resources must therefore be employed in a man-
this process of pledge financing. They act as the
ner so as to provide the most useful services for
banks collateral manager (as Collateral Manage-
the market in the most efficient manner possible.
ment Companies (CMCs)) for the safekeeping of
It must provide basic goods of having relevant
the pledged commodity. This may involve storing
standards for regulation, ensure compliance, and
a commodity at a warehouse owned/ operated by
protect consumers. It must regulate so as to use
a WSP, or at a location owned/ operator by the
market relevant tests for supervising warehouses.
borrower. In either case, the value addition to the
It must have an efficient inspection system that
bank derives from the quality of the systems and
inspects diverse aspects of a WSPs operation and
processes followed by the WSP for preserving the
incentivises corrective behaviour.
commodity. This includes regular inspection for
It must also enable the creation of information
quantity, fumigation (where required), and accu-
technology infrastructure that creates more infor-
rate quality and quantity measurement.
mation and transparency in the sector. A national
Other users also stated that the quality of ser-
electronic system of holding and transferring WRs
vices, including turnaround times, client interfac-
will be beneficial for all stakeholders. A small
Report
WSP will get visibility at a national level, simply
Chapter 3 presents the study schedule, sampling
by abiding with WDRAs regulations, therefore
criteria and details of respondents interviewed
increasing its competitiveness based purely on the
over nine districts:
quality of its services. Established WSPs will be
1. Karnal, Haryana
able to differentiate themselves on the basis of
2. Mehsana, Gujarat
their specialised skills in handling specific com-
3. Ernakulam, Kerala
modities, or in specific regions. Banks and other
4. Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
stakeholders will get access to information about
5. Purnia, Bihar
warehousing capacity and quality at a local level.
6. North 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Fraud and duplication, substantial risks with phys-
7. Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
ical WRs, will be minimised.
8. Nanded, Maharashtra
9. Kamrup, Assam
Intrusive regulation may endanger the growth

of this market if it unduly restricts certain business
In addition, in-depth interviews were held with
activities (that do not threaten a WSPs core duty
several bank representatives in Mumbai.
to preserve the quality of a deposited commodity).
The findings of the survey, and its analysis are
Regulation must also be nimble enough to allow
provided for in chapters 4 and 5 respectively. In
regulated entities to conduct their business (reg-
addition, chapter 5 contains recommendations for
ulatory approval processes must have clarity and
regulating the warehousing market in the country.
certainty). The focus of regulatory supervision
The recommendations provided in chapter 5 have
must be on defining market-relevant minimum
been provided below.
standards, ensuring standard operating procedures
Summary of recommendations
are adhered to and developing essential market
1. Warehouse regulation should be neutral to
infrastructure that provides more information and
the categories of users of warehouses. Reg-
transparency to the market.
ulations that impose performance require-
This following chapters of the report presents
ments must impose such requirements as are
the literature, findings and their analysis that the
generally necessary to make the business of
conclusions stated above are based on. It begins
warehousing trustworthy and credible.
by introducing the features of the Indian ware-
2. Co-ordinated efforts between WDRA and
housing market WDRA in Chapter 1. The chapter
state warehousing regulators must be made
also looks at the development of the NWR system
to bring unlicensed warehouses within the
and its potential usage today.
regulatory purview. Additionally, users of
Chapter 2 discusses the history of WR finance
warehouses must be convinced of the legal
and NWRs, the benefits of negotiability and the
risks of using unlicensed warehouses.
challenges in making the warehousing market
3. Regulation must require the creation of struc-
trustworthy and credible. This chapter also dis-
tured and standardised formats for reporting
cusses the problems that are predominant in the
information. Lending will improve further
current Indian warehousing market as well as the
once lenders see a market with greater trans-
solutions that the market has developed to over-
parency and information.
come these.
Report
4. An electronic NWR system will enable mar3
ket participants to use NWRs without having
12. Regulations must contain directions to WSPs
to worry about fraud and duplication.
to devise operating procedures that enable
5. The unit of regulatory supervision in ware-
them to discharge their functions with due
housing must be the owner of the warehous-
diligence. Regulatory supervision must fo-
ing operation rather than the owner of the
cus on compliance with these processes.
warehouse.
13. Warehousing regulations with regard to reg-
6. Business processes and the quality of service
istration of WSPs must focus on creating
are key factors of competition in the market.
minimum standards with regard to business
Regulation must therefore create minimum
processes and quality standards.
standards and ensure compliance with them.
14. Warehousing regulations should focus on
7. A focus on the processes of warehousing will
bridging information gaps in the warehous-
enable regulation of both WSPs and CMCs.
ing market. On one hand, an information
Collateral management being a subset of
repository with details of WSPs, capacity
warehousing does not need to be regulated
utilisation, past track record of WSPs should
separately. Regulation of warehousing ser-
be created, on the other hand regulatory su-
vices in general, will enable supervision of
pervision should focus on improved compli-
collateral management processes as well.
ance on part of WSPs.
8. Warehousing registration has to be a quick
15. There must be a framework for dispute res-
and nimble process in order to facilitate the
olution. While greater competition will in
current market practices that are helping in
time force WSPs to be more responsive to
market development. For this, registration-
concerns of consumers, the government has
related entry barriers must be lower and post-
a role in ensuring consumer protection. Reg-
registration supervision must be better.
ulated entities must therefore be required to
9. There must be no regulatory supervision of
create a framework for redressing grievances
pricing within warehousing services. Any
of consumers. WDRA must then provide a
restrictions will disrupt the organic develop-
hearing against any unresolved grievances.
ments within the warehousing market that is
16. WDRA must create a consolidated online
leading to its transformation.
database of all NWRs issued, which should
10. Regulations should ensure that insurance
be updated real-time with every NWR trans-
coverage for all aspects of legal liability is
action or transfer.
covered. Both the warehousing infrastruc-
17. The database created by the regulator, must
ture, and the commodity stored within a
be easily accessible through a user-friendly
warehouse must be insured against structural
portal, with ease of use and intuitive learn-
infirmities, fire, burglary, theft, employee
ability of software, where all users of the
malfeasance, etc.
NWRs are able to view and undertake trans-
11. Regulators should abstain from attempting
actions easily. It must also account for pro-
to solve operational risks to WSPs. Doing so
viding information to users without inter-
would disrupt the operation of competitive
net access, through tele-access, mobile SMS
forces in a rapidly evolving market.
alerts etc.
Report
18. Most WSPs covered during the course of

the study had the basic infrastructural requirements (or arrangements) for accurately
weighing and assessing the quality of the
commodity. It is advisable that the ownership of weighing and quality testing infrastructure is not made compulsory, provided
that other checks are in place. For instance:
In case of presence of weigh-bridges close
to the warehouse, it is essential that WSP
staff accompany the depositor to ensure correct measurement of commodities being deposited. The presence of in-house weighing
equipment may not be imperative.
Report
Report
Acknowledgements
This qualitative study was carried out with the
1. Core team:
purpose of developing an in-depth understand-
(a) Anirudh Burman
ing of the warehousing sector in India. WDRA,
(b) Iravati Damle
the regulatory body for warehouses in the coun-
(c) Mehtab Hans
try is re-writing its rules and regulations to gov-
(d) Rachna Sharma
ern the warehousing sector in an efficient manner.
(e) Sameeraj Ilapavuluri
This qualitative survey was commissioned to the
(f) Smriti Sharma
National Institute of Public Finance and Policy
2. Other team members for field visits:
(NIPFP) to gather information about the ware-
(a) Apoorva Gupta
housing market in order to help WDRA frame
(b) Mayank Mishra
evidence-based regulations.
3. External consultant: Udita Das.
The NIPFP team carried out this survey in nine

districts across the country. The survey required
interactions with varied stakeholders. This task
would not have been possible without the help
and cooperation of WDRA, Directorate of Marketing & Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, National Bank for Agricultural
and Rural Development (NABARD), ICICI Bank,
HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, DCB Bank, Yes
Bank, StarAgri Limited, Shree Shubham Limited,
Origo India, Sohanlal Commodities Limited, National Bulk Handling Corporation, NCMSL and
New India Assurance. We acknowledge the help
and support of all the market participants without whose cooperation this report would not have
been possible.
We hope this report will facilitate understanding perspectives and concerns of all the key stakeholders of the warehousing sector and benefit the
warehousing sector of India.
NIPFP team for the survey:
7
Report
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1
Introduction
which came into force on October 25, 2010. This

created the Warehousing Development and Regu-
Warehousing in India has been linked to food se-
latory Authority, a central regulator for NWRs.
curity and agricultural growth. The Central Gov-
The WDR Act is an:
ernment established state owned and controlled
Act to make provisions for the development
warehousing corporations to enable better storage
and regulation of warehouses, negotiability of
of agricultural commodities in the 1950s. Over
warehouse receipts, establishment of a Warehous-
the last two decades, the need for warehousing has
ing Development and Regulatory Authority and
also been felt in non-agricultural sectors such as
for matters connected therewith or incidental
retail commerce. Warehousing is now seen as an
thereto.2
integral part of the supply chain where goods are
The WDR Act gives WDRA the following pow-
not only stored for safekeeping, but also where
ers and functions, amongst others:3
other value processes are implemented, thereby
1. to issue to the applicants fulfilling the re-
minimising wastage and costs. In addition, ware-
quirements for warehousemen a certificate
housing has become an essential factor that en-
of registration in respect of warehouses, or
ables food producers to access credit in the form
renew, modify, withdraw, suspend or cancel
of pledge financing.
such registration;4
Warehouses are primarily licensed by state gov-
2. to regulate the registration and functioning
ernments under state warehousing laws. State
of accreditation agency, renew, modify, with-
laws which contain legal consequences for of-
draw, suspend or cancel such registration,
fences committed under them vary from state to
and specify the code of conduct for officials
state, and are applied inconsistently across the
of accreditation agencies for accreditation
country. As a result, there is no national standard-
of the warehouses;5
isation for warehouse regulation and enforcement.
3. to specify the qualifications, code of con-
Market participants therefore rest heavily on con-
duct and practical training for warehouse-
tractual processes (that are devoid of any statutory
men and staff engaged in warehousing busi-
backing) to detect violations, impose penalties
2 See
preamble of the WDR Act

35 of the WDR Act for list of powers and functions of WDRA
4 Section 35.(2)(a) of the WDR Act
5 Section 35.(2)(b) of the WDR Act
and adjudicate disputes.
3 Section
In 2007, the Parliament passed the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007,
9
1.1. INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
ness;6
warehouse finance in India better. There is also a
4. to regulate the process of pledge, creation of
lack of literature available on WR market in India
charges and enforcement thereof in respect
and the experiences of market participants within
of goods deposited with the warehouse;;7
the system. The understanding of the benefits and
5. to promote efficiency in conduct of ware-
challenges of the WR system from a quantitative
house business.8
and qualitative standpoint is critical as it allows
6. to promote professional organisations connected with the warehousing
business;9
for determining effective ways to strengthen the
and,
warehousing market.
7. to specify the duties and responsibilities of

The WDRA is currently operating in an unor-
the warehouseman.10
ganised, fragmented, and rapidly evolving market.
These functions have been given to WDRA to
In order for it to discharge its functions effectively,
ensure that the NWR issued by WDRA-regulated
a deep understanding of the business of warehous-
warehouses were uniform and had a fiduciary trust
ing, and its network effects is required. This re-
of depositors and banks. In order to start issuing
port examines the warehousing industry in India
NWRs, a warehouse service provider must first
by understanding the experiences of stakeholders
register his warehouses with WDRA. It was hoped
within the warehousing ecosystem and explores
that WDRA regulated NWRs would be beneficial
how the warehousing business is run in different
for a number of stakeholders such as banks, finan-
parts of the country. In addition, the report pro-
cial institutions, insurance companies, trade, com-
vides insights into the warehouse finance market
modities exchanges as well as consumers. In a
and the risks involved in it.13
span of four years, a total of seven hundred and six

warehouses have been registered with WDRA.11 .
There is also a need to evolve an understanding
The report tries to understand the challenge asso-
of the government role in agriculture and ware-
ciated with registering warehouses and also looks
housing in the market economy as it still plays a
at the overall potential of the WDRA.
very dominant part. The qualitative survey was
Although there has been a lot of research done
conducted cognisant of this aspect and studied the
on WR and its utility in the modern commodities
different forms of government intervention in the
12 ,
agricultural sector and the perception of govern-
there is no data on experiences of market partic-
ment schemes and subsidies in the stakeholders.
ipants to understand the warehousing market or
In addition, with a large majority of the warehous-
market by multiple authors and organisations
ing business still state run, it became imperative
6 Section
35.(2)(c) of the WDR Act

7 Section 35.(2)(d) of the WDR Act
8 Section 35.(2)(e) of the WDR Act
9 Section 35.(2)(g) of the WDR Act
10 Section 35.(2)(o) of the WDR Act
11 Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority,
List of warehouses registered with the WDRA, 2015, URL:
http : / / wdra . nic . in / RegisteredWarehouses . pdf
(visited on 08/28/2015).
12 Please refer to reports and articles by Department of
Food and Public Distribution, International Finance Corporation and Mahanta as few of the myriad examples present
on this subject
Report
for this report to consider the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and State Warehousing
Corporation (SWC) as two key stakeholders in the
warehousing market dynamic.
13 For the purposes of this study, a warehouse is being

defined as under the WDR Act.
10
1.1.1
1.1. INTRODUCTION
Terms of reference for this study
1. Understanding how a warehousing business

is run
2. Understanding the risks associated with storage and preservation of commodities through
the value chain.
3. Understand the user experience of different
kinds of warehouse users at the time of deposit and receipt of goods:
4. Understand the market for warehouse receipts
5. Understand whether market participants
have the necessary infrastructure for transacting NWRs and/or are willing to make such
investment.
Report
11
1.1. INTRODUCTION
Report
12
Chapter 2
Literature Review
2.1
State of Indian Agriculture Warehousing
2.1.1
vate sectors is depicted in 2.1.1:
Current capacity
There exists evidence of lack of warehousing
Agricultural warehousing accounts for fifteen per-
capacity in the country.17 The warehousing capac-
cent of the warehousing market in India and is
ity gap estimated by the Planning Commission
estimated to be worth Rupees 8,500 crore.14 It
stands to be at 27 million metric tonnes today. A
is however perceived to be inadequate and unor-
study on state of Indian famers in the year 2004 by
ganised. More than 40 percent of the agricultural
the Ministry of Agriculture estimated that about
warehouses are run by state enterprises such as
7% of food grains and 30% of fruits and vegetable
FCI, CWC and
SWCs.15
are lost due to inadequate handling facilities. Ap-
30 percent of the warehousing capacity is held
proximately, 10% of valuable spices are lost due
by unorganised small godown players. These un-
to lack of proper post-harvest infrastructural facili-
organised warehouses lack scale and quality. On
ties. The above post-harvest losses of agricultural
the other hand, there are a few large national-level
commodities in monetary terms have been esti-
players in the warehousing market which own
mated at about Rs. 44,000 crores.18
professionally run warehouses and also provide
Out of the total capacity present in the Indian
ancillary services around warehousing.16
warehousing today, only 19.44 lakh metric tonne
Although there is no exact data on the number
(1.94 million metric tonne) has been registered
of warehouses present, some of the substantial
with WDRA by a total of seven hundred and six
capacities available in public, cooperative and pri-
warehouses of CWC, SWC, Primary Agriculture

Co-operative Society (PACS).19 This corresponds
14 Ernst
& Young LLP and CII Institute of Logistics, Indias warehousing industry: an overview, URL: http://
www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/The-IndianWarehousing-Industry-An-Overview/%5C$FILE/EYThe- Indian- Warehousing- Industry- An- Overview.
pdf (visited on 11/18/2014).
15 Price Waterhouse Coopers, Building warehousing competitiveness, tech. rep., Price Waterhouse Coopers, URL:
https : / / www . pwc . in / en _ IN / in / assets /
pdfs/publications- 2011/building- warehousingcompetitiveness-india.pdf (visited on 08/28/2015).
16 Ernst & Young LLP and CII Institute of Logistics, Indias warehousing industry: an overview.
17 Price Waterhouse Coopers, Building warehousing competitiveness.

18 Department of Food and Public Distribution, Committee
for Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse Receipts by the
Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority in the
Country, tech. rep., Government of India, 2015, URL: http:
//wdra.nic.in/FinalBook.pdf (visited on 08/28/2015).
19 Department of Food and Public Distribution, Committee
for Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse Receipts by the
Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority in the
Country.
13
2.2. MARKET FAILURES
CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Table 2.1: Total Storage Capacity of Different Entities

Name of the organisation
1
2
3
4
5
6
Food Corporation of India (FCI)

Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC)
State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs) and State Civil Supplies
Cooperative Sector
Private Sector
Total
Storage capacity (in million metric tonne)

38.34
10.30
Source:
34.84
15.07
18.97
117.52
Report by the Committee for Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse Receipts by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority in the
Country
2.2.1
to 1.65% of the overall capacity estimated to be

present in the market
today.20
Information asymmetry
Insufficient information on a warehouse leaves its

users unable to judge the value of receipts issued
2.1.2
Categories of warehouses
by that warehouse.
From a lenders perspective, the current market
Warehouses in India can be categorised based on:
comes with risks relating to both the structure
1. Ownership;
of the warehouse (for example its resilience to
2. Management; and
floods), as well as the its management (leading
3. Type of good stored.
to risks such as theft or fraud). Lenders cannot
Warehouses can be owned by private entities or
judge the viability of lending against warehouse
government entities. Some warehouses are profes-
receipts issued for goods stored in that warehouse.
sionally managed by warehouse service providers,
From a depositors perspective, there is no way
while others are managed by individuals. Enti-
to ascertain and ensure that the goods are stored
ties also operate and manage warehouses for self-
safely and maintained in both quality and quantity.
consumption. Warehouses can also be categorised
Sellers of warehousing service have privileged
with respect to the type of goods they store. As
information about their warehouses which is not
a result, forms of storage that differ from a tradi-
available to the buyers of those services. This
tional warehouse (such as silos or cold storages)
leads to a situation of information asymmetry.
also exist.
2.2.2
2.2
Market failures
Inadequate nationwide regulation

and enforcement
Currently two problems are predominant in the
State laws containing legal consequences for of-
Indian warehousing market:
fences committed under them vary from state to

state, and are applied inconsistently across the
1. Information asymmetry; and
country. As a result, there is no national standard-
2. Inadequate nationwide regulation and en-
isation for warehouse regulation and enforcement.
forcement.
Market participants must therefore rest heavily

20 Most
of the storage capacity available with CWC and

SWCs is occupied by the FCI for storage of Central Pool
stocks.
Report
on contractual processes (that are devoid of any

statutory backing) to detect violations, impose
14
2.3. MARKET-BASED SOLUTIONS
penalties and adjudicate disputes.
lender, in order to assure protection of the stored
Both of these factors, information asymmetry
goods. Their involvement may vary from operat-
and inadequate nationwide regulation and enforce-
ing the warehouse to simply overseeing the oper-
ment, negatively impact the trade in, and lending
ations. Collateral managers ensure the safety (to
against, commodities stored in warehouses. Over
both quality and quantity) of goods stored in ware-
time, the market has developed its own solutions
houses, and lenders are subsequently far more
to these problems (see section 2.3). These solu-
willing to participate in warehouse receipt-based
tions are available to only some market partici-
lending when a collateral manager is involved.
pants, leaving those that are excluded at a disad-
Consequently, a premium is available in the mar-
vantage.
ket for service providers that can assure lenders

protection against losses, and/or compensation in
2.3
case losses occur.
Market-based solutions
The warehousing process (including storage, collateral management and trade) brings different
2.3.2
risks to each stakeholder at various points of the
Closed User Groups
process. These risks are currently not mitigated

effectively and, as a result, the quality and quan-
CUGs in the warehousing sector bridge the in-
tity of the stored goods is often compromised. As
formation asymmetry problem by generating and
a result, the market has developed its own solu-
sharing relevant information within CUGs.
tions to overcome the information asymmetry and
The National Commodity and Derivatives Ex-
failure in regulation and enforcement. The two
change (NCDEX) operated CUG is an example of
leading solutions are in the form of:
a CUG that attempts to solve the problem of mar-
1. Collateral management services; and
ket failure by replicating the regulatory interven-
2. The Closed User Group (CUG).
tions that state regulation should solve. NCDEX is

a national on-line commodity exchange. In order
2.3.1
Collateral management services
to ensure the sanctity of the physical settlement of
CMCs offer to preserve and protect commodities
commodities traded on the exchange, it operates a
stored in warehouses on behalf of lenders. In
CUG of WSPs NCDEX has 405 accredited ware-
addition to physical security, CMCs also under-
houses with a holding capacity of 2 million metric
take to absorb losses to the stored commodities on
tons.21 Additionally, NCDEX has its own inspec-
their balance sheet. These services help bridge the
tion, audit and monitoring mechanisms to which
problem of low quality information about the na-
the NCDEX registered WSPs have to adhere to.22
ture of warehousing services being provided. The

additional cost of engaging the services of CMCs
21 National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, Annual

Report 2013-14, Accessed: 2014-12-17, 2014, URL: http:
//www.ncdex.com/Downloads/AboutUs/PDF/Annual_
Report_2013-14.pdf.
22 See Regulation 18 of the National Commodity &
Derivatives Exchange Limited, National Commodity &
Derivatives Exchange Limited, Regulations, 2003, 2003.
is therefore a reflection of the price of information

that is currently not available in this market.
A collateral manager acts as a middle-man
between the warehouse service provider and the
Report
15
2.5. WAREHOUSE RECEIPT FINANCING
2.4
Promoting warehousing in India
5. There is a positive impact on the price realisation as 62.30% users mentioned experiencing
2.4.1
Gramin Bhandaran Yojana (GBY)
increase in the prices.
This scheme was implemented by the Department
6. About 42.10% farmers mentioned that the
of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agri-
role of intermediaries and brokers has been
culture and has since been merged with other ex-
reduced due to the rural godowns.
isting schemes to be renamed as Agricultural Mar-
7. Majority of the godowns are owned by
keting Infrastructure (AMI) scheme, which is a
an individual. Only 5.25% godowns sur-
sub-scheme of Integrated Scheme for Agricultural
veyed were owned by companies/ corpora-
Marketing (ISAM).
tion/ firms etc.
The objective of the scheme was to promote
2.4.2
construction of scientific warehouses in the rural
Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee

(PEG), 2008 Scheme
areas of the country. The scheme provides subsidy

of 25%. For north-eastern states, Farmer Producer
In 2008, Government of India enacted a scheme
Organisations (FPOs), panchayats, women, SC/
for creating additional storage capacity for food
ST and self-help groups, the subsidy is 33.33%.
grains through the private sector, CWC and SWC.
NABARD has sanctioned projects to several
Under this scheme, Food Corporation of In-
PACS for setting up warehouses so as to provide
dia (FCI), gives a guarantee of ten years to pri-
the nearest source of scientific warehousing to the
vate parties for assured hiring of warehouses. For
farmers.
expeditious construction of godowns, it was de-
An independent evaluation conducted by
cided that wherever CWC or SWC have their own
Global Agrisystem Pvt. Ltd. under the report ti-
land within the identified locations the CWC or
tled Evaluation and Impact Assessment for the
SWC will construct godowns on priority for which
Central Sector Scheme of Grameen Bhandaran
FCI would give a guarantee of 9 years for stor-
Yojna highlighted that :
age charges. As of the beginning of year 2015,
1. More than 76% of godowns built under the
121 lakh metric ton capacity had been completed.
scheme are of less than 1000 MT;
Private entrepreneurs created 93 lakh metric ton
2. 66.60% of the godowns are owned by farm-
capacity under the scheme, and 28 lakh metric ton
ers;
capacity was created by the CWC and SWC .23
3. Majority of the promoters received approval

for subsidy within six months; but the major
2.5
Warehouse receipt financing
problem faced in getting the subsidy was

a) Lengthy procedural wait time
Agricultural production and trade are often consid-
b) Non cooperation of the officials, and
ered low-margin, high uncertainty operations and
c) A delay in release subsidy
are perceived as risky investments by financiers.

Physical collateral such as land and machinery
4. Pledge loan against stored produce was

found not to be a popular practice among
23 See
Chapter 4 Department of Food and Public Distribution, Committee for Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse
Receipts by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory
Authority in the Country.
farmers and significant numbers , 37.42%

did not wish to avail credit.
Report
16
2.6. USES OF NEGOTIABLE WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS
is rarely used in mitigating financiers risks and
of discussion of the draft.27 However the concept
as a result finance for agriculture can be difficult
of negotiable warehouse receipts came to fruition
and expensive. In light of this, WR finance can
in 2007 with the establishment of the WDR Act
play an important role in smoothening income for
and WDRA.
farmers by providing liquidity at times when cash
Although WR finance is estimated to be $3.0-
flows dry out.24
$3.5 billion in India, it is far from its potential of

$60 billion.28 In addition to the market problems
Warehouse receipt financing has been primarily
mentioned in section 2.2.2 and section 2.2.1, there
developed to :
are several reasons behind this gap :
1. provide liquidity for depositors while allow-
1. Banks are still risk averse and fear it is not
ing them to hold on to their goods till they
possible to recover loans from the depositor
receive a better price;
in case of fraud, mismanagement or insol-
2. allow farmers to use this system to avoid a
vency of the depositor;
distress sale and obtain working capital;
2. Legal remedies are time consuming and in-
3. improve the transparency and efficiency of
adequate; and
goods stored
3. Lack of an e-NWR platform.29
While the overall market for pledge financing

has grown over the recent past, it is still far from
reaching it full potential25 . To help reach this
2.6
full potential, warehouse receipt financing and
Uses of Negotiable Warehouse Receipts
negotiability have been discussed ever since the

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a com-
The literature in the public domain specifically
prehensive All-India Rural Credit Survey in 1951
talking about NWRs, a subset of WR is negligible.
and recommended the creation of a negotiable
There is scant literature evaluating the benefits or
warehouse receipt system in the country.26 . Later,
performance of NWRs. This is especially true
the Warehouse Receipts Bill in 1978 was drafted
concerning their use in India. There has been no
with the objective of endowing upon warehouse
study so far assessing whether the real benefits
receipts the status of negotiability under the Ne-
that were once anticipated by the negotiability
gotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The Warehouse
being introduced has actually taken shape since
Receipts Bill was initiated by the Banking Laws
its introduction.
The negotiability of WR allows the title to the
Committee but did not proceed beyond the stage
goods to be transferred from one person to another
24
See section 2 Dr. Devajit Mahanta, Review of warehouse receipt as an instrument for financing in India, in:
International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research 1
(9 Oct. 2012).
25 See Chapter 10 International Finance Corporation, Warehouse Finance and Warehouse Receipt Systems, A Guide for
Financial Institutions in Emerging Economies, tech. rep.,
International Finance Corporation, URL: http : / / www .
mongolbank.mn/conference/books/01.pdf (visited
on 08/28/2015).
26 See Chapter 2 Department of Food and Public Distribution, Committee for Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse
Receipts by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory
Authority in the Country.
Report
via the passing of the related NWR. The main

27 See section on Legislative Effort and Action Plan
Jonathan Coulter and G. Ramachandran, A strategy for the
development of warehouse receipt system for agriculture
in India, tech. rep., Forward Markets Commission, Government of India and The World Bank, 2000, URL: http:
//www.fmc.gov.in/showfile.aspx?lid=1143 (visited
on 08/28/2015).
28 See page 71 International Finance Corporation, Warehouse Finance and Warehouse Receipt Systems.
29 See page 71 International Finance Corporation, Warehouse Finance and Warehouse Receipt Systems.
17
Source : Report titled : The use of warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in transition countries
benefits of a NWR is that :
receipts and commodity futures and Committee for

Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse Receipts by
1. A negotiable receipt allows easier trade and
the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Au-
refinancing.
2. They can be traded on secondary markets,
thority in the Country mention considerable bene-
such as commodity exchanges, thereby at-
fits for the Indian market from the introduction of
tracting a larger pool of capital into commod-
NWRs that include :
ity financing, beyond bank lending.
1. Farmers may sell privately or make use of a
3. Easy to integrate with trading on an elec-
simple settlement mechanism to ensure that
tronic exchange platform receipt may replace
he gets paid before the goods are removed
normal physical delivery in case the stake-
from the warehouse;
holders trust the system.
2. A transaction can take place informally or on
4. It forms the basis for forward delivery of
an organised market or exchange. In either
commodities and can be developed into fu-
case, the WR forms the basis for the creation
tures
contracts.30
of a spot, or cash market;
In India, the lack of negotiability of warehouse
3. If transactions involve the delivery of goods
receipts was solved by the creation of WDRA
on a future date, WR can form the basis for
under the WDR Act. Under this act, warehouses
the delivery system in a commodity futures
that are registered with WDRA are allowed to
exchange ;and
issue NWRs.
4. WR increase the confidence of participants,
The Report of the Working Group on warehouse
particularly those in the private sector, in

market transactions.
30 See
page 27 Food and Agriculture Organization, The

use of warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in transition
countries, 2009, URL: http : / / www . fao . org / 3 / a i3339e.pdf (visited on 08/28/2015).
Report
5. Increase of liquidity in the rural areas.;

6. Banks will improve the quality of their lend18
ing services and lower the cost of financing
tered warehouses from stock limits under Es-
sential Commodities Act, 1955.
7. Encourage scientific warehousing of agricultural commodities ;and

8. Improve the supply chain and enhance rewards for grading and quality.
However, there has not been a large demand
for NWRs. The Committee for Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse Receipts by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority in the
Country recommended the following to generate
greater demand for NWRs:
1. Scheme should provide pledge financing for
all the farmers holding KCC against NWRs
issued by all the registered warehouses including cold storages
2. Need for Full Fledged Infrastructure Status
to Warehousing Sector
3. Simplification of accreditation / registration
rules and regulation with a view to register
more warehouses for issuance of NWRs.
4. Unified policy of insurance for WDRA requirement
5. Creation of Electronic Warehouse Receipts
6. NWR is issued as a Government security
under Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act,
1956
7. Introduction of Modern Technology in warehousing sector
8. Greater awareness programmes for the farmers
9. A robust mechanism of inspection of warehouses
10. Capacity Building Programme in Warehousing Sector
11. Procurement of food grains through NWRs.
12. Simplification conversion of land use to be
taken up with state governments.
13. Exemption of commodities stored in regisReport
19
Box 1: Bulgaria - A success story in warehouse finance

In Bulgaria warehouse receipt financing was first used in 2000. This was primarily due to the strict budgetary constraints that were
placed on it by the International Monetary Fund(IMF). This created a major challenge for grain producers and processors as they could
not generate operating capital due to stricter banking measure that were put into place.a
The programmes major components were:
1. Development and implementation of a warehouse receipt system in Bulgaria;
2. Development of grain commodity markets;
3. Assistance to providers of grain marketing information;
4. Assistance to grain industry trade organisations efforts to consolidate and influence policy decisions and establish trade rules; and
5. Technical assistance and training to private grain processing and storage companies.b
The project covered all aspects of the grain marketing infrastructure, which was an important precondition for its success.
By 2009, this system was in full gear, with 47 licensed public warehouses and more than 500,000 tonnes of licensed capacity. As of 2009,
the system had established itself as a major factor in stability of the grain market, and there had been no defaults related to the activities
of licensed public warehouses. The financial sector lent an annual 10 to 50 million Euro against warehouse receipts. The requirement for
warehouses was that they provide services to the newly established grain intervention agency with a public warehouse license.c
Bulgaria today has one of the few operational indemnity funds for warehousing outside the United States. The Bulgarian Ministry of
Agriculture?s provided a three-year interest-free loan of US $2.5 million for the initial capitalisation of an indemnity fund.d This greatly
helped in the successful expansion of the system. In the case of default of a WR obligation, the endorsers of the note of collateral are
liable for damages incurred before its holder. When the holder of the note of collateral for grain deposit does not receive the amount on
the note within three days of its being lodged, he/she is entitled to demand sale of the grain deposited in the public store.
Bulgaria also successfully introduced a prototype market information system complementing development of the warehouse receipt
system. The implementation agency created a weekly grain marketing information service, based on direct information collected from a
sample group of traders and grain processors in the country. The information is processed and distributed to a subscription list consisting
of banks, licensed public warehouses, producers, and domestic and international traders.e
a See page 54 Food and Agriculture Organization, The use of warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in transition
countries.
b See page 55 Food and Agriculture Organization, The use of warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in transition
countries.
c See page 38 Food and Agriculture Organization, The use of warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in transition
countries.
d See page 38 Food and Agriculture Organization, The use of warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in transition
countries.
e See page 35 Food and Agriculture Organization, The use of warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in transition
countries.
Report
20
2.7
2.7. REGULATING WAREHOUSING EFFECTIVELY
Regulating warehousing effectively
It is imperative that a firm understanding of the realities of Indian warehousing sector be present to
enable policymakers to write regulations that governing warehousing in India. It is highly critical to
understand the reasons behind the slow uptake of
NWRs and its limited use over the last four years.
It is also equally important to determine the
challenges that face stakeholders in the system
that prevent them from accessing pledge financing
and what could be done to mitigate them.
The lack of literature on NWRs, its usage and
the evaluation of its performance so far is hindering the ability to take concrete steps on real
reform. It is essential to understand what the role
of the NWRs will be in the future and whether
it serves the purpose for which it was set out for.
This report aims to provide this information and
assess user feedback to help bridge the data gap to
provide a clearer sense of the ecosystem in which
agricultural warehousing exists.
Report
21
2.7. REGULATING WAREHOUSING EFFECTIVELY
Report
22
Chapter 3
Methodology
The research for the study consisted of three
1. Geographical spread of the districts across
main tools:
the country for maximum coverage of major

crops and terrains across regions ;
1. Review of secondary literature on warehous-
2. Sufficient density and availability of public
ing in India, and practices in other jurisdic-
and private warehouses in the district (based
tions, as stated in section 2.
on the data provided to us by WDRA and
2. Field research based on the predefined ques-
publicly available data);
tionnaires designed and approved for specific categories of respondents. Different pre-
3. A mix of rural and urban districts;
defined questionnaires were used for farm-
4. Coverage of districts with different crop pro-
ers, traders, WSPs, CMCs and banks. These
file across states or regions to compare for
questionnaires were employed in focus group
differences and similarities in the warehous-
discussions and in-depth interviews with re-
ing sector and usage of NWRs;
spondents. Questions were designed in a
5. A district mix of the various types of agri-
manner so as to leave flexibility for related
cultural commodity(ies) produced and stored
discussions around broad themes and con-
in the region that are also a part of the list
cerns. A list of respondents is given in sec-
notified for the issuance of NWRs; and

6. Availability of adequate stakeholders partici-
tion 3.3.1.
pating in the warehousing business;
3. Observations of working of the market in-
The selected districts were then confirmed by
frastructure such as mandis and exchanges.
discussions with market participants. In some
3.1
cases, there was a change in the selected districts
Sampling Methodology
based on such conversations. This was done in

The selection of districts and respondents was
order to ensure the selected district satisfied the
done in a manner that is diverse and reflective
criteria stated above, and provided findings with
of the broad cross-section of the stakeholders in-
regard to the objectives for this study.
volved in the warehousing sector. The strategy

ensured maximum variation so as to get a diverse
set of data for analysis.
The district selection was done based on the
criteria mentioned below :
23
3.1. SAMPLING METHODOLOGY
3.1.1
CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY
District selection and criteria
Districts have been selected based on the criteria mentioned in section 3.1. The district wise profile is
provided in table below, which provides a high level profile of the district in addition to the reasons for
choosing it.
District Name
Region
Rural/
Crop Mix
Reason for selection
Wheat, Rice, Sug-
Part of a predominant rice and wheat growing belt re-
arcane
gion in the north
Groundnut, Bajra,
Insight into the workings of multi commodity ware-
Cotton, Jeera
houses housing a large jeera and groundnut market.
Groundnut, Cot-
Urban multi commodity region consisting of one of
ton, Castor and
the few remaining regional exchanges
Urban
1
2
Karnal, HR
North
Mehsana, GJ
West
Rajkot, GJ
Semi-urban
Rural
Urban
Sesamum
3
Ernakulam, KL
South
Urban
Pepper,
Paddy,
Rubber
and
An urban district in the south, rich in spices and home

to a regional commodity exchange.
Coconut
4
Guntur, AP
South
Rural/ Semi
Paddy,
Cotton,
This is a district situated within the rice rich region
Urban
Maize and Chillis
of Andhra Pradesh consisting of a large number of

cold storage facilities for chillis and dry storage for
turmeric and paddy.
Purnia, BH
North
Rural
Rice,
Wheat,
Maize
A district in the large agricultural dependent state

which has implemented agricultural market reforms
in the recent past
North 24 Par-
East
Rural/Urban
Central
Rural
ganas, WB
7
8
Vidisha, MP
Nanded, MH
West
Rural
Potato, Rice, Jute,
An eastern district close to Kolkata, producing rice
Oilseeds
and potato, staple of the eastern gangetic plain.
Soybeans, Wheat,
Large soyabean producing district in a well developed
Chickpeas
warehousing state in central India
Cotton,
Soy-
beans, Sorghum,
Highly productive multi commodity district in a state

with large warehousing infrastructure
Black gram
9
Kamrup
(Ru-
East
Rural
ral),AS
Kamrup
Urban
Rice, Rape seed,
A north east district with a hilly and plain terrain in
Mustard
both a rural and urban context
Rice, Tea, Wheat
(Metropolitan),AS
Source : www.agricoop.nic.in
Report
24
3.2
3.2. DETAILS OF THE PARTICIPANTS/ RESPONDENTS
Details of the participants/ respondents
Field research was conducted by interviewing

these stakeholders at each district or region. These
interviews were conducted through a mix of Fo-
In addition to the district selection, the respondent
cused Group Discussions (FGDs) and one on one
selection within each district has been done to
interviews. A predefined questionnaire was de-
ensure maximum sample of a diverse number of
signed for the key stakeholders including to record
categories. The break up and overall scale of
their feedback but the majority of the interviews
respondents interacted with is provided in this
were to be conducted in a semi structured format.
section.
The collected primary data from questionnaires
The following is a list of all the categories of
was then tabulated and organised for the analysis
respondents covered for this qualitative study.
of the data and inferences were drawn from the

evaluation study leading to recommendations and
1. Depositors
suggestions.
Farmers - Primary target for utilising

warehouses and NWRs in order to
make fewer distress sales and a main
focus of the study.
Traders - Primary users warehouses
today and potentially large subset of
NWR users.31
2. Public and Private banks engaged in pledge
financing
3. WSPs32
CMCs33
Central Warehousing Corporation
State Warehousing Corporations
4. Warehouse Owners
5. Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees
(APMCs) markets
6. Regional commodity exchanges
31 Some traders were also commissioned agent or brokers
who are market participants that help connect farmers with
traders to sell their goods. These brokers are a crucial cog
in the mandi ecosystem since they also provide easy unorganised means of finance to farmers at a relatively higher
cost.
32 For the purposes of this study, a "WSP is being defined
as the owner/partnership/government institution that owns
and/or operates a warehouse which provides storage and
warehousing services for goods including but not limited to
agriculture produce, metals, commodities, liquids etc.
33 They either lease/buy warehouses and manage commodities that are used for pledging. They are also sometimes just
the caretaker of the goods within a fully captive warehouse.
They usually provide these services to banks.
Report
25
3.3. DETAILED STUDY SCHEDULE
3.3
Detailed study schedule
The qualitative survey utilised 9 in house researchers from NIPFP for the field surveys.
Each team was responsible for conducting multiple activities during a single field visit. This included moderating focus group discussion, interviewing respondents, transcribing and video graphing these responses.
A team spent 3-4 days at each district or region.
Table 3.2: Study Plan
Field Visit/ Activity
1
2
Pilot field study in Karnal, HR

Qualitative training at NIPFP office by Ms. Udita Das,
Qualitative Research Expert
Field study in Mehasana, GJ and Rajkot, GJ
Interviews in Mumbai with multiple public and private
banks
Field study in Ernakulam, KL
Interview collateral manager in Hyderabad and field
study in Guntur, AP
Field study in Purnia, BH
Field study in North 24 Parganas, WB
Field study in Vidisha (Ganj Basoda), MP
Field study in Nanded, MH
Field study in Kamrup, AS
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
3.3.1
No.of
Days
3
3
Date of Completion
17/4/15
24/4/15
4
3
9/5/15
15/5/15
3
5
21/5/15
5/6/15
4
4
3
3
6
5/6/15
10/6/15
17/6/15
17/6/15
25/6/15
Number of respondents covered
The following is a list of all the categories and the minimum number of respondents covered in total for the
qualitative study.
District
Farmers
Traders
Name
Warehouse
CWC
SWC
CMC
Banks
APMC
Owners
Karnal, HR
10
Mehsana,
Regional
Exchange
GJ, Rajkot,
GJ
3
Mumbai,
MH
4
Ernakulam,
KL
5
Guntur, AP
Purnia, BH
North
24
Vidisha, MP
Parganas,
WB
8
Report
26
9
Nanded,
3.3. DETAILED STUDY SCHEDULE
15
51
53
17
17
MH
10
Kamrup
(Rural and
Metropolitan), AS
Total
Report
27
3.6. DATA ANALYSIS
3.4
Selection strategy of respondents
Both pre-structured and open questionnaires were utilised.
Two inter-connected strategies were used for re-
2. In-depth interviews
cruiting respondents:
Combination of formal, semi structured
1. One of the prominent WSPs in a particular
and open questions
district was requested to facilitate interac-
Interviews were conducted with farm-
tions with key market participants such as
ers, traders, lenders, institutions, banks.
banks, traders, etc. The WSP provided as-
Interviews were conducted mostly with
sistance through their local staff to locate
senior level management.
and contact willing respondents or provide
The majority of the research was conducted via
contact details for the respondents.
semi-structured interviews. The interviewers had
2. The report used a system of purposive sam-
adequate flexibility to explore related issues that
pling , which is the selection of a certain sam-
were relevant and came to light during the course
ple where the most amount of information
of the interview.35 .
can be gathered by interviewing or observing

a varied, large and particular group.34 Using
3.6
this technique, a specific selection criteria

which to select a sample of participants was
Data analysis
As Merriam states, the preferred way of data anal-
determined.
ysis is to analyse data during data collection rather
The following considerations also informed the
than waiting to begin data analysis until all data
selection of respondents:
has been collected. During this study, information
1. Typical sampling : Ensuring some stakehold-
collected in the initial districts was used to refine
ers reflect the average or typical individual.
and focus the questionnaire.
2. Unique sampling : Ensuring at least a few
The data collected from all nine districts was
stakeholders display atypical or unusual char-
analysed by identifying segments and categories
acteristics.
that assisted in answering the research objectives.
3. Snowball sampling : Selected participants
Determining the categories present in collected
and interviewees who then, referred us to
interview transcripts and field notes was based
other stakeholders , who the report also de-
on the major topics covered in the questionnaire.
cided to ask for participating in the study.
The responses to these questions were then segregated under these categories and analysed for
3.5
a focussed summary of the responses provided
Data collection procedures
across districts per stakeholder.

Interviews were conducted using two methods :
The primary data from questionnaires was tabu-
1. Focus group discussions
lated and organised for the analysis of the data and
Small group discussions were organ-
inferences were drawn from the evaluation study
ised, usually with 4-8 participants.
leading to recommendations and suggestions.
34 Michael Quinn Patton, Qualitative research and evaluation methods, Thousand Oaks, 2002.
Report
35 Sharan Merriam, Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, John Wiley and Sons, 2009.
28
3.6. DATA ANALYSIS
Disclaimer: This report does not intend to be

taken as a comprehensive set of all warehousing
participants within the country, but rather be used
to understand the data emanating from the quantitative report more holistically. This will provide a
fuller analysis and give policymakers a much better understanding of the causes and consequences
of public opinion.
Report
29
3.6. DATA ANALYSIS
Report
30
Chapter 4
Findings of the study

This section states the findings of the study
place CMCs in-charge of managing the
across nine districts (and in-depth interviews with
pledged commodity.
stakeholders in Mumbai). Findings have been
There has been a rapid growth of the
arranged as per the objectives of the qualitative
pledge financing business in recent
study stated in section 1. These findings are not
years, and bank branches in almost all
intended to provide a statistically determination
surveyed districts had growing portfo-
of practices within the warehousing market on
lios of pledge finance. The business
a national, state or sub-state level. They are in-
was most robust in areas with high
tended to convey the practices followed by a wide
agricultural production and well func-
diversity of respondents across different districts.
tioning agricultural markets such as
A brief summary of findings is provided below:
Mehsana, Guntur and Vidisha.

2. Warehousing business operations:
1. Market for warehouse receipts

The market for warehouse receipts in
Profiles of those in the warehousing
agricultural commodities is dominated
business are varied. Almost all districts
by storage for two primary purposes:
had the presence of one or more large
(i) storage for preservation, and (ii) stor-
WSP companies. Such WSPs act as
age for accessing credit.
pure WSPs, as well as CMCs.
Traders are the main users of ware-
Many of the respondents were those
houses for both these purposes within
engaged in building warehouses and
the districts covered in the study. A
leasing them out to WSPs. In some
very small proportion of farmers who
districts, there were also smaller, indi-
were respondents used warehouses.
vidual proprietors who are WSPs.
Storage itself takes place in both li-
Generally, the quality of warehousing
censed and unlicensed warehouses,
infrastructure did not vary depending
though users generally prefer licensed
on what kind of entity owned it. Newer
warehouses.
warehousing facilities were generally
Banks that are engaged in pledge fi-
better than older ones. Most CWC
nancing prefer warehouses with bet-
and SWC warehouses visited during
ter documentation and quality, but
the study were older, and therefore of

31
CHAPTER 4. FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

There was general under-utilisation
inferior quality.
The quality and kinds of services of-
of warehouses in certain districts that
fered by WSPs varies substantially.
are major agricultural marketing hubs.
The kinds of services offered as CMCs
Less developed markets generally have
depend on the contractual arrangement
low availability of warehouses.
between the bank and the WSP.
some districts, low capacity utilisation
In
was ascribed to low agricultural output
3. Risks associated with storage:
in the past year.
WSPs, and Warehouse Owners (WhOs)

face both business and legal liability
There is evidence of information asym-
risks. Business risks emanate from nor-
metry and power asymmetry in the
mal operations of the warehousing busi-
warehousing market. In some districts,
ness and competitive forces. Legal lia-
depositors spoke about lack of infor-
bility risks arise due to lack of profes-
mation on warehouse rents and their
sional diligence, acts of employees, or
inability to raise concerns with WSPs
natural or man-made disasters.
due to lack of quality warehousing options.
Business practices, internal controls

and standard operating procedures are
the first step towards risk-mitigation.
5. Infrastructure for e-NWRs
Most large WSPs had standard operating procedures and internal control and
Most respondent WSPs stated that
inspections systems.
they maintain standardised procedures,
Insurance against legal liability risks is
trained staff and insurance for conduct-
the other form of risk mitigation. Large
ing the warehousing business with min-
WSPs insure both their infrastructure
imal risks.
and the commodities they have in their
Some large WSPs have electronic sys-
custody from such risks. Generally
tems for record-keeping, verification
though, the WSP took insurance for
and generation of WRs. However, tech-
the infrastructure. Insurance for the de-
nology has not been integrated com-
posited commodity was usually found
pletely into the business processes of
to be taken by the depositor.
these firms. One WSP who has done so
4. Experiences of consumers of warehouses:
reported operational efficiencies con-
Farmers comprise the smallest propor-
sequent to complete technology adop-
tion of users of warehouses. The pri-
tion for its warehousing business. A
mary users of warehouses are traders,
large portion of the market continues
government agencies like FCI and
to use completely manual and paper-
HAFED, and banks.
based processes.
Warehouse usage depends on the quality of services delivered by the WSP,

costs of labour and transportation.
Report
32
4.1
4.1. THE MARKET FOR WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS
The market for warehouse receipts
4.1.2
Types of warehouse receipts
In todays market, there exists two different receipts associated with warehousing. These are
4.1.1
Utility of storage
:
1. Warehouse receipts : A warehouse receipt is
Warehousing services are used largely by traders.
given to a depositor when the public ware-
In some districts (for example, Guntur) large farm-
house is actively managed and leased by a
ers utilise warehouses as well.
CMC. In this case, the CMC does not have

to provide the bank with information beyond
Warehouses serve an important purpose for
KYC data, because the quantity and quality
traders who use it for three main reasons:
of the product is verified before the receipt is

1. Use it store goods for them to further process
generated, and stated on the WR. These are
and mill;
generally preferred by the bank since they
2. Use it to store goods that can be exported
are issued by WSPs/ CMCs in full control of
later at a higher price after processing;
the warehouse. Respondents in various dis-
3. For accessing credit for financial liquidity till
tricts implied that although the loan to value
the goods are sold.
ratio is the same for both WR and storage re-
The commodities stored vary widely. The rice
ceipts, banks tend to usually give loans faster
millers in Karnal, the jeera traders in Mehsana and
and easier for WRs.36 In issuing warehouse
the chilli traders in Guntur all used modern ware-
receipts, CMC gain revenue from the deposi-
housing to maintain goods that are export quality.
tor as well as a commission from the bank on
In Ernakulam, and Kamrup , the agriculture ware-
the value of the loan, typically in the range
houses were used to store electronic items as well
of 0.5%-1.5%.
as other materials like books due to the lack of
2. Storage Receipts : A storage receipt is given
farmers or traders in that area. This was true of
to depositors when the warehouse is owned
both private and government warehouses.
by a warehouse owner and the goods within

the warehouse are managed by a CMC. Here
The perception among the majority of respon-
the CMC, appointed by the bank is manag-
dents across the surveyed districts is that there
ing these goods on behalf of the bank. The
isnt a shortage of warehousing facilities. Due
warehouse, in this case, could be public or
to consecutive years of bad yields, there is an
a captive godown used to store the goods
excess supply of warehousing facilities in most
of the owner himself. Banks honour stor-
districts surveyed, driving rents down. In low pro-
age receipts on a case to case basis based on
ductivity areas on the other hand, there is a lack of
specific, strict criterion.37 In the case of a
warehousing, but due mainly to the low necessity

36 As mentioned by the bank manager of a public sector
bank in Karnal.
37 A commodity head in a large private bank during a
meeting in Mumbai mentioned that the overall market for
storage receipts in India was around 40% of the overall
warehousing finance market in India.
for storage. This was true of North 24 Parganas,

where the banks reported that the warehousing capacity in rural areas was very small and the culture
of warehousing was yet to really take off.
Report
33
storage receipt issuance, the CMC only earns
registering loans worth a hundred crores.
a commission from the bank and not from the
3. Financing is focused around the commodi-
depositor. The depositors share of payment
ties produced and traded in that area e.g.
is embedded within the tripartite agreement
chillies in Guntur, jeera in Mehsana, etc.
between the bank, depositor and the CMC
4. The pledge financing business is safe with

the help of CMCs, and growing every year.
The difference in the types of receipts owes

to the legal regulation of warehouses under state
5. Loans to farmers are within RBI stipulated
laws. Only licensed warehouses are legally per-
limits. Generally loans to farmers are not
mitted to issue WRs. Storage spaces that are un-
provided above this limit. Traders, however
licensed are not legally permitted to issue WRs.
do not have a fixed limit and get loans upto
However, a lot of storage does in fact occur at
eight crore based on credit worthiness
such locations. Banks also lend to persons who
6. Banks are highly reliant on CMC to man-
store commodities within their own facilities, af-
age the goods in warehouses and feel that
ter the commodity is placed under the charge of
they are an integral part of the pledge finance
a CMC. Storage receipts are issued in such cases,
business.
7. Although most of the pledge finance business
where the facility at which a commodity is stored
is conducted with private warehouses, banks
is not a licensed warehouse.
in most districts expressed a preference for
4.1.3
Pledge finance market
storage in CWC and SWC due to lower risk

owning to government ownership.
Pledge finance involves a depositor pledging his
8. There has been growth in demand for ware-
or her agricultural commodities to a bank so as
housing, especially in Ernakulam, Purnia and
to avail a loan. This is done in order to acquire a
Nanded. However, lenders did caution that
working capital and meet the financial needs of
the trends were usually seasonal and depen-
the depositor while waiting for a good price to sell
dent on commodity prices.
the commodity.
Potential:
Although WR finance is estimated to be $3.0-
Some districts surveyed have shown a tremen-
$3.5 billion in India, it is far from its potential of
dous potential for pledge finance. Karnal and
$60 billion.38 .
Mehsana have a large number of traders and pro-
Interviews with bank branches provided signifi-
cessors due to their large rice and jeera market
cant insights into the pledge finance market :
respectively.
1. The main users of pledge finance in all districts were traders. There was a very small
In certain cases like Nanded and Guntur, the rea-
proportion of farmers who availed pledge
son for a robust pledge finance portfolio is good
finance.
warehousing market, wide variety of commodities
2. A portfolio of a bank branch, on average, is
available and good access to a mixture of com-
usually around seven to ten crores. Guntur
modities varied and stocking possibilities high.39
was an anomaly however with a bank branch
39 The
wide variety of commodities in Nanded is a big

advantage since it allows the bank to access a wide base of
customers and enables risk diversification.
38 See
page 71 International Finance Corporation, Warehouse Finance and Warehouse Receipt Systems.
Report
34
In Vidisha, many large FMCG companies such

as ITC and Cargill are procuring directly from
farmers/traders, which has had an impact in the
scope of expansion in commodity financing in the
areas as well.
North 24 Parganas had a large number of farmers, yet the pledge finance market was relatively
small. This was largely due to the fact that rural areas did not have enough warehouses. The pledge
finance market has also been affected by the fraud
that took place in Burdwan district in West Bengal
where the CMCs and depositors colluded to pilfer
stock.
In Kamrup, the pledge finance market is negligible because the majority of the warehouses
used by the traders are for storing goods only for
a very limited period of time. These warehouses
are used to provide traders with transit storage of
goods moving from mainland India to the other
north-eastern states.
Report
35
Box 2: Finance required during the production life cycle

There are three stages of production where producers require finance. This is uniform across all surveyed districts.
1. Pre-Production stage: The farmers obtain finance for procuring seeds, fertilisers, and other farm equipment for production. The
banks at this stage, lend through a short term crop loan scheme for farmers issued via the Kisan Credit Card. In Guntur, farmers
also were able to avail loans through PACS at a rate of interest of just seven percent. However, many of the farmers interviewed
across all districts usually borrow from middle men who are commissioned brokers (arhatiyas).
2. Production: Farmers require finance for hiring labour, farm equipment and renting farm land. The same credit facilities available
during pre-production are available at this stage. During this stage, respondent farmers reported that they harvest and store
their commodities in their own backyard. The duration for which this storage occurs is proportional to the perishability of the
commodity.a
3. Post-production: Farmers require finance for transportation and repayment of loans availed during pre-production and production
stage. At this stage, farmers borrow from commissioned agents through an informal trust arrangement (this was reported in all
districts except Ernakulam). This is primarily because middlemen are open to lending small amounts of money, more frequently
and without the requirement of a collateral. Respondents in most of the surveyed districts mentioned twenty four percent interest
charged per annum. In most cases, the farmer disposes of his commodity to either a commissioned agent or a trader as soon the
crop is harvested.
a In situations where the commodity is not highly perishable, the farmer keeps his produce usually out in the open, with
jeera, rice and turmeric.
Box 3: Profiles of Unjha and Basoda mandi

Unjha mandi
Unjha mandi is situated in the Mehasana district of Gujarat. It is one of Asias largest markets for the trading of jeera, fennel seed and
psyllium.
Location: The Unjha mandi has several locational advantages. It lies on the main line of the Western railway and the nearest Unjha railway
station is only 1 kilometre away. It is well connected by Ahmedabad-Delhi national highway and state highway 41. The proximity to
rail, road and sea route help traders connect with both domestic and international buyers. There are 35-40 banks with their branches in
Unjha city which help service the large volume of mandi transactions.
Transaction mechanism: All payments to farmers happen through cash in the mandi and the trade settlement takes place on the same day.
The buyers pay 1.5 % commission to the middlemen or the arhatiyas. The seller/farmer is charged only for labour for off-loading the
produce in the market. The mandi committee takes a commission of 0.5% of the value of goods. The mandi committee is responsible
for dispute resolution and effective oversight. Respondent farmers in the mandi, and traders operating there all stated that they were very
happy with the mandis functioning. Mandi administrators stated three main reasons for this:
1. No limitation on volume of commodity allowed in to the market;
2. The mandi mandates all transactions only in cash; and
3. Regular and impartial inspections and auction oversight by mandi inspectors.
Facilities in the mandi premises: There are approximately 1000 godowns (both registered and unregistered) located close to the mandi .
The mandi is also equipped with a canteen where all farmers are provided food at concessional rates, and also a rest house for farmers.
Basoda mandi
Basoda mandi is situated in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the biggest grain markets in Asia. The main commodities
traded in this mandi are wheat, gram and soybeans.
Location: The Basoda mandi lies on the main line of a railway and the nearest railway station is less than one kilometre away. It is
well connected by state highway and national highway. There are 6-7 banks close to the Basoda mandi offering banking and commodity
financing services.
Transaction mechanism: All payments to farmers happen through cash in the mandi and the trade settlement takes place on the same day.
The buyers pay commission to the middlemen or the arhatiyas. The seller/farmer is charged only for labour and off loading the produce
in the market. Mandi administration is provided by an elected mandi committee.
Report
36
4.2
4.2. WAREHOUSING BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Warehousing business operations
financing against stored commodities. Banks

engage CMCs to take possession of the collat-
One of the main objectives for this study was to
eral (the deposited commodity) before disbursing
understand the business warehousing. This would
credit to borrowers.42
include understanding the functioning of a single
In urban districts such as Ernakulam and Kam-
individual WSP40 , and organised companies that
rup, the user profile is more diverse. This is be-
function as WSPs and CMCs. It would also in-
cause warehouses are close to consumption as
clude an understanding of the relevant concerns
well as production centres. The same warehouses
of users of warehousing facilities. Accordingly,
in such areas are used to store both agricultural
this section is organised into the following parts:
and non-agricultural commodities (such as CBSE
1. Profiles of users of warehouses (section
exam answer scripts, electronic goods, fertilisers,
4.2.1)
paint, etc.)
2. Profiles of operators of warehouses (section

4.2.2)
4.2.2
Profiles of operators of warehouses
3. Warehousing facilities (section 4.2.3)

The following main forms of warehouse operators
4. Key aspects of the warehousing business and
were found in the districts covered:
related processes (section 4.2.4)
1. WSPs who own or rent warehouses for pro-
4.2.1
viding public warehousing services or for
Profiles of users of warehouses
collateral management. In some cases, such

Traders comprise the dominant users of the ware-
WSPs have to manage collateral in premises
houses covered in the study. This was true across
under the control of a third party as well.
all but one district (Guntur, AP). However, some
CWC and SWCs are government owned
WSPs, CMCs and banks stated that many traders
companies engaged in the business of pro-
are also farmers, or may hold themselves out as
viding warehousing services;
farmers in certain cases to avail discounted storage
2. Individuals who own warehouses (WhOs),
charges at warehouses.41
but provide no warehousing facilities. They
In some instances, large companies engaged
usually lease out the premise to WSPs for
in the processing of agricultural commodities are
providing warehousing/ collateral manage-
also clients of WSPs. Companies such as ITC
ment services, or to corporate clients for cap-
Limited and Cargill also use warehouses in certain
tive storage;
areas for temporary storage.
3. Individuals who own warehouses and pro-
Banks are important users of warehousing ser-
vide warehousing services. There were a
vices. Depositors (mainly traders) avail of pledge
small number of such respondents in some

districts covered in the study;
40 For
the purposes of this study, a "WSP is being defined

as the owner/partnership/government institution that owns
and/or operates a warehouse which provides storage and
warehousing services for goods including but not limited to
agriculture produce, metals, commodities, liquids etc.
41 Respondents in Karnal and Guntur stated that in some
cases, traders also enter into agreements with farmers who
then avail of warehousing facilities, etc on the traders behalf.
Report
4. Mandis and some regional exchanges have

their own warehousing / godowns.
42 In
certain cases, borrowers approach CMCs directly.

The CMC then forwards the request for pledge financing to
the bank.
37
4.2.3
Warehousing facilities
Warehousing facilities varied depending on:

1. The local economy of the region. Areas with
a vibrant agricultural economy such as Guntur, Mehsana, Ernakulam and Vidisha generally had better and larger warehouses than
less vibrant economic areas such as Purnia,
Kamrup and North 24 Parganas;
2. The time when the facility was constructed
(recently built warehouses were significantly
better than those built 10-15 years earlier);
3. The profile of the warehouse owner: Corporate entities with larger capital have built
high-quality warehouses in recent years.
Older SWC and private warehouses were
generally of inferior quality; and,
4. The purpose for which the warehouse is being built: Warehouses built for dry storage
are different from cold storages.
Other than this, there were differences in infrastructure standards within and across regions. Such
differences pertained to plinth heights, facilities
for ventilation, access routes, material used for
construction, etc.
A number of warehouses were unlicensed. In
addition, respondents in North 24 Parganas and
Kamrup stated that their states do not have a
licensing system for warehouses.43 However,
all these facilities were being used for providing warehousing facilities. Banks were providing pledge financing regardless of whether warehouses were licensed or not. This was being done
through the use of CMCs in such areas.
43 Licensing
of warehouses in West Bengal is governed by

the West Bengal Warehouses Act, 1963 and the West Bengal
Warehouses Rules, 1967. The Director of Marketing is the
licensing officer. There is no need for a license for operating
a warehouse in Assam.
Report
38
Box 4: Regional Commodity Exchanges

Very few regional commodity exchanges are still actively functioning today. Two such exchanges were covered as part of this study, and
have been profiled below.
India Pepper And Spice Trade Association (IPSTA) Exchange :
This regional exchange located in Ernakulam, Kerala is the only pepper exchange in India. It has over 105 registered broker members,
out of whom 15-20 are active. Farmers comprise a very small proportion of the total membership. To become a member, one needs to
be referred by an existing member and submit a guarantee fund. The exchange is completely electronic now and has developed its own
unique trading platform that mimics the NCDEX trading platform. Members use the market primarily for hedging. The settlement taken
place on the 15th of every month, as compared to the 30th for a national exchange. Goods have to be deposited in the 6000 MT warehouse
run by the exchange (or in a CWC warehouse nearby that the exchange has tied up with) at least five days prior to the settlement date.
No cash payments are allowed. These goods are randomly sampled for quality at a third party lab in case required.
Regional Commodity exchange, Rajkot:
This regional exchange (mainly for castor) is located in Rajkot. This is the only remaining exchange running on an open outcry model,
where traders and brokers gather in a open courtyard in the middle of the exchange to buy and sell. There are a total of 101 broker
members, currently 22 are active. Almost all the members are traders from around the region. The daily turnover of the exchange is
around Rs 35 crore and the settlement at the exchange happens on the day after the trade. These physical settlements are inspected by the
exchange and also by the Forward Markets Commission (FMC). Although the exchange has a godown, it is rarely used since most of the
members have their own godowns and the general storage requirement is low due to the next-day settlement policy. In recent years the
exchange has lost volume and value after the NSEL collapse. The loss in trust has resulted in lower profit and turnover for the exchange.
The exchange aims to move towards an electronic platform soon to compete with the national exchange, but is currently weighing up the
cost benefit analysis as the initial capital expenditure would involve two to three crores. Broker members use the exchange primarily for
hedging.
Report
39
4.2.4
Key aspects of the warehousing
districts covered.44 In most cases, storage oc-
business and related processes
curred at a facility under the active control and

management of the WSP. The WSP had leased/
Business activities
rented the premises, and the depositor may or
In the districts covered in the study, public ware-
may not have been one of many depositors in that
houses offer the following services:
warehouse.
1. preservation of commodities;
In other cases, the premises in which the com-
2. collateral management for pledge financing;
modity was stored was owned/ rented by the de-
and
positor, and the WSP took possession and control
3. storage for trading on commodity exchanges.
over the space in which the commodity was stored.
WSPs such as Shree Shubham Logistics Pvt.
The WSP was in-charge of ensuring the physical
Ltd. (SSL), National Bulk Handling Corporation
security of the deposited commodities.
Ltd. (NBHC), National Collateral Management
The nature of obligations also varied depend-
Services Ltd. (NCMSL), are engaged in all three
ing on the types of services required of the WSP.
kinds of activities. CWC and SWCs warehouses
In most cases, the WSP was in-charge of veri-
are not being used for trading on exchanges. It
fying the quantity of the commodities, sampling
was found that in some situations, where the ware-
and certifying the quality of the commodities, and
housing facility is under the actual control of the
undertaking steps (for example, fumigation) to
WSP, the same premise may be used for both
preserve the value of the commodity. In some
preservation, as well as for collateral manage-
cases however, the obligation of the WSP was
ment.
limited to ensuring the physical security of the
NCDEX, the largest commodity exchange has
commodity, and the depositor undertook to pre-
stringent requirements for the storage of commodi-
serve the quality of the commodity (for example,
ties that are traded on its exchange. It does not
by fumigating the deposited goods periodically at
permit non-exchange commodities to be stored
his own expense).
within the same godown.
The process for storing commodities is divided

into three phases:
Business processes
1. Inward process,
It was found that the primary business activity
2. Storage process and
of a WSP is to provide storage and preservation.
3. Outward process
WSPs involved in collateral management provide
It was found that most of the large WSPs fol-
services that are additional to the basic facility of
lowed similar basic protocols at each of these
storage for preservation. Exchange-linked storage
three stages. Most such WSPs stated that they
requires more stringent processes and protocols
have detailed written process documents. WSPs
for storage for preservation.
in almost all districts follow a standard operating
Storage for preservation
procedure even if it is not formally documented in
There was a wide diversity of the kinds of ser-
most cases. These also include a process for fumi-
vices related to the obligations that WSPs under-
44 This
take in relation to storage within and across the

Report
use.
40
does not include captive warehouses for personal
gation and maintenance of the stock as required.
basket of services that a WSP can provide. These
The inward process starts with the depositor
include quantity and quality assaying, fumigation,

pest control and insurance.
bringing the commodities at the gate of the warehouse. The watchman issues the depositor a gate
The activities of the WSP once a contract has
pass which contains information about license
been agreed to is provided below :
plate number of the truck, weight of the truck
1. WSPs have the keys to the warehouse and
with goods and without goods, drivers signature.
control all stock entering or exiting the ware-
The depositor takes the gate pass to warehouse
house.
manager and starts unloading goods. The unload-
2. WSPs staff are on site during working hours
ing charges are borne by the depositor. WSPs then
to manage the stock.
sample the commodity and examine its quality.
3. WSPs provide standard storage practices for
Quality testing is usually done, either on
ensuring preservation e.g. stacking, distance
premises or in a lab in a nearby town or city. Most
from walls, etc,
WSPs have equipment to examine the quality of
4. The WSPs also offer other value added ser-
a commodity in the warehouses owned by them.
vices including procurement and help in
If such equipment is not present in certain ware-
sale of commodities and monitoring market
houses, the sample is sent to another facility or an
prices on behalf of banks with pledged com-
independent lab for quality testing.
modities.
The storage process involves sampling, regular
5. WSPs provide banks a bi-weekly or monthly
inspection and periodic fumigation of the stock.
reports on information on the goods and if
These processes vary depending on the type of
demanded, reports on price movements.
commodity and its perishability. Inspection is con-
Banks stated that they all follow a centralised
ducted by the Capital Markets Services (CMS)s
empanelment process with regard to CMCs. The
internal audit team as well as by bank reps in
choice of which WSPs to empanel as a CMC
almost all the cases with a varying level of fre-
is made centrally, at the corporate offices of all
quency ranging from two weeks to two months.
banks. Branch heads at local branches then have
In this service offering, WSPs earn income by
discretion in selecting one of the empanelled
levying charges on the depositors. This is done on
CMCs for handling the pledged commodity. This
a rental charge per month based on either a) space
choice depends on the quality of services provided
occupied by the commodity per square feet or b)
by the empanelled WSPs in that region. Banks
per bag cost.
choose WSPs based on many factors:

1. General quality of service and responsive-
Collateral management services
ness;
WSPs are empanelled and engaged by banks to

to provide collateral management services and se-
2. Prompt deposit and release of goods;
cure the pledged goods in a warehouse for a depos-
3. Well-defined processes and protocols;
itor. This happens once the depositor approaches
4. Prompt issuance of warehouse/ storage receipts; and
the bank to seek a loan against the commodities at

a warehouse. A tripartite agreement is then signed
5. Financial soundness of the WSPs.
between the bank, depositor and the WSP for a
Exchange-linked storage
Report
41

Some WSPs have warehouses which have segregated warehouses or space within warehouses
for NCDEX-traded goods. NCDEX is the largest
agricultural commodity exchange currently in op-
Box 5: Process for pledge financing
eration in India. These are used for exchange

The warehouse finance process usually includes the fol-
linked storage and trading.
lowing steps:
1. The depositor brings the goods to a warehouse
The requirements and processes followed for
managed by a WSP, or the commodity is already
such warehouses are far more stringent than a
stored at a particular premise and the WSP has to
regular accredited warehouses:
manage the commodity at such premise. If it is the

latter of the two, the WSP usually has to inspect the
1. Warehouses for exchange linked storage
premises and certify that they are fit for storage of
must be independent, or segregated from
that commodity.a
2. The WR is generated after the process of checking
already existing warehouses with non-
the quantity and quality is conducted by the WSP.
exchange commodities. The WSP must de-
3. Quantity is usually checked using a weigh-bridge
marcate such a facility clearly for the purpose
which generates a weighing slip that cannot be tampered with.b
of exchange trading and storage.
4. Quality of the commodity is tested and certified by
2. There are detailed specifications for unload-
an on-site or a nearby lab.

5. The depositor or the WSP approaches a bank to
ing at particular bays, and including driver
seek a loan against a WR or storage receipt issued
signature, cross checking of bills.
at the warehouse.c
6. The bank then determines the amount of loan to
3. Tracking of all goods has to be done to a
disburse based on the assessment of the quantity
particular lot size and recorded.
and quality of goods done by the WSP as men-
4. Colour code or symbol code different goods
tioned on the WR.

7. Inspections on the quantity and quality of the
5. Explicit marking of the goods that have ex-
goods is conducted by the internal audit team of

a WSP and the representatives of the bank fort-
pired as per exchange specifications is re-
nightly to monthly.
quired.
8. The depositor then has the option of finding a
6. Stricter, standardised requirements are pre-
buyer or withdrawing his goods by approaching

the bank for a release order.
scribed regarding stacking of goods.
9. The depositor is then allowed to withdraw his
7. There are regular NCDEX and third-party
goods once all the outstanding dues are paid.
inspections.
a In
some cases like Vidisha, multiple WSPs

provide collateral management services within the
same third party owned warehouse. Though this
practice is generally avoided by larger WSPs, there
are exceptions.
b In certain districts like Guntur, a bag is assumed
to be a certain weight and the quantity is determined
based on number of bags stored. This is risky and
un-scientific.
c In Ernakulam and Vidisha, when the warehouse
doesnt meet certain requirements, the bank asks the
WSP to identify a different location fit for storage
The WSP usually charge per bag, at a rate up to

double for exchange-linked storage compared to
a non-exchange linked warehouse. In one district,
the non-exchange rate per bag was eight rupees
compared to the exchange linked bag of sixteen
rupees.
Sources of revenue, costs
The costs and revenue in warehousing business
differ for warehouse owners and WSPs. The costs
for warehouse owners are limited to the extent
Report
42
of constructing a warehouse and maintaining the
that he has to pay the warehouse
warehouse. In some cases the WSPs also own
owner. In Karnal, the WSP stated
warehouses. In those cases, the costs with regard
that the rent for the warehouse
to constructing and maintaining the warehouse
makes 70 percent of the total cost.
are also incurred by the WSP. In cases where
the WSP has a revenue sharing
WSPs merely rent/ lease warehouses, their costs
agreement with the warehouse
for WSPs are limited to operational expenses.
owner: In this business model, the
Costs and revenues for WSPs
WSP has an agreement with the
The cost and revenue break-up for WSPs differs
warehouse owner and instead of

paying a rent to the warehouse
on basis of their cost and revenue model.
owner, the WSP shares the rev-
1. Costs: The costs for WSPs can be divided
enue with the warehouse owner in
under following sub-headings:
an agreed ratio.
(a) Rent: Rent is major component of cost

for WSP. However, in some cases, the
(b) Salaries for staff: A WSP has staff for
WSPs own warehouses and do not have
supervising the warehouse, providing
to pay rent. None of the WSPs we met
security and auditing the warehouses.
owned all the warehouses they were
The WSPs in almost all districts stated
managing. In fact, some WSPs do not
that salaries are a major cost compo-
invest any money on capital creation
nent for WSPs. In Guntur, the WSP
or warehouse construction. The rent
stated that salaries are 80 percent of
component of cost depends on individ-
total costs.
(c) Insurance premium for stored com-
ual business model of WSP. The three
modities:
business models are as follows:
Report
A WSP is responsible
the WSP owns the warehouse: In
for the quantity and quality of the
this business model, the WSP
commodities stored in the warehouse.
has to incur the capital costs in-
WSPs buy insurance to cover their risks
curred by the warehouse owner
with regard to the commodities. The
for building and maintaining the
standard insurance policy cover taken
warehouse. Another capital cost
by WSPs cover risks related to fire,
component for WSPs is the cost
flood and theft.
of equipments (weighing, testing,
2. Revenue: The sources of revenue for the
fumigation, pallets and dunnage
WSPs can be divided into the following cate-
sheets). In addition to the capital
gories:
costs, the WSP has to incur oper-
(a) Rental income: The WSP can earn
ational costs. These costs can be
rental income from a warehouse if he
sub-divided into:
owns the warehouse. This rent may
the WSP leases the warehouse: In
be charged on a per sq. ft. basis or
this business model, the major cost
per bag basis. If the WSP doesnt own
component for the WSP is the rent
the warehouse and has leased the ware43
house, the rent component is passed on
itary access to land, or the gov-
to the depositor.
ernment provides subsidies, it
(b) Service charge: WSPs provide a bou-
is not viable to construct a
quet of services to their customers. De-
warehouse.
positors can ask for the WSP to secure
B. Buildings and fixtures: The
the quantity of stock and not concern
cost of building a warehouse
itself with the quality of the stock. On
depends on labour costs, ma-
the other hand, a depositor may ask the
terials costs and the quality
WSP to fumigate the stock and preserve
of fixtures (electricity, water,
its quality. In either case, the service
fire equipment and ventila-
charged to the depositor will vary.
tion) in a warehouse.
Un-
(c) Commission from the bank: Once the
der the NABARD scheme,
goods are pledged with a bank, the
warehouses were required to
bank becomes the custodian of the
be constructed in accordance
goods. In that case, the WSP earns
with certain parameters and
his commission from the bank. In Kar-
standards. Many respondent
nal, the banker stated that their bank
warehouse owners had used
paid its empanelled WSPs 0.75 to 1
the NABARD subsidy scheme
percent of interest income depending
to construct warehouses. Util-
on their years of association and past
ising this subsidy, the cost
record. In some cases, banks can pay
of construction for warehouse
the WSP a fixed rate for managing a
owners across nine districts
warehouse. For example, in Guntur,
on an average came to Rs. 650
the bank paid Rs. 35,000/ month for
per square feet (excluding the
managing a warehouse to the WSP.
land cost). In Nanded and
Costs and revenues for owners of ware-
Purnia, the warehouse own-
houses
ers stated that constructing a
The cost and revenue break-up for WhOs is
warehouse cost them Rs. 500
as follows:
per square feet, in Mehsana
(a) Costs
the cost of construction was
i. Capital costs: Capital costs are in-
Rs. 650 per square feet, and
curred on a one-time basis for con-
in Ernakulam constructing a
structing the warehouse. These
warehouse cost Rs. 850 - 950
costs can be further sub-divided
per square feet.

ii. Operational costs
into the following:
Report
A. Land: Throughout the nine
A. Insurance: WhOs typically
districts, warehouse owners
buy an insurance policy to
stated that the cost of land is
safeguard their warehouse
high and unless one has hered-
premises from fire, flood and

44
4.3. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH STORAGE
other perils. In Ernakulam,
house owner has a revenue sharing
one warehouse owner stated
agreement with the WSP): In some
he paid Rs.
6000 per an-
cases, the WSPs make a revenue
num as insurance premium.
sharing agreement with the ware-
Larger WSPs stated they had
house owners. In this case, the
a company-wide floater in-
warehouse owners receive a share
surance policy covering all
in the revenue earned by the the
their risks across warehouses
WSPs. In Guntur, the warehouse
throughout the country.
owner had a 75:25 revenue shar-
B. Repair and maintenance: The
ing agreement with the WSP. In
warehouse owner is also re-
North 24 Parganas and Purnia, the
sponsible for maintaining the
warehouse owner had a 70:30 rev-
life of the warehouse. Ex-
enue sharing agreement with the
penses on wear and tear, re-
WSP. This enables WSPs to bear
pair and maintenance of the
rental costs in accordance with the
warehouse building and fix-
capacity utilisation of the rented/
tures are borne by the ware-
leased facility.
house owner.
(b) Revenue
4.3
Risks associated with storage
i. Rent: The WhO receives a fixed
Report
rent either from the depositor (if
This section categorises and explains the risks that
the WSP is not involved) or from
exist in the warehousing business. Most respon-
the WSP who has hired the ware-
dents take common risk mitigation measures to
house. The rents across the dis-
cover for the specific types of risk they are vulner-
tricts varied from Rs. 4 to 6/sq
able to.
ft. In some cases, the warehouse
WSPs generally suffer from business risks and
owners charged rent on a per bag
legal liability risks. Business risks arise in the
basis. In cases where the ware-
usual course of the operation of the market. These
houses are hired by WSP, the
pertain to low demand for services, increased com-
warehouse lease is usually for a
petition, higher input costs, etc. Such risks lead to
period of 11 months with 1 month
a loss of market for the firm.
exit clause. In Guntur, Karnal and
Most WSPs that participated in this study re-
North 24 Parganas, the warehouse
ported that low capacity utilisation leading to
owners stated that the WSP can
low rentals is a risk to their business. Many re-
exit a warehouse by providing a
spondents in Mehsana and Ernakulam pointed
one month notice to the warehouse
to the high costs of renting/ leasing warehous-
owner.
ing premises and noted that it is a significant in-
ii. Share of revenue from proceeds of
put cost. Vidisha had much greater competition
warehousing services (if the ware-
among WSPs than some other districts, mainly

45
4.3. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH STORAGE
due to the high volume of business in agricul-
causes: WSPs in most districts had fire safety
tural commodities. Most banks involved in pledge
equipment such as extinguishers installed. A
financing had at least two empanelled WSPs to
few large WSPs also had provisioning for
perform collateral management services for them.
water to douse fires within their facilities.
One measure to guard against low demand and
Another common measure to guard against
therefore low income from rentals is to lease ware-
such risks is to take insurance. Most WSPs
housing facilities on a revenue-sharing basis. In
who formed part of the study had insured
Guntur, Mehsana and Nanded, WSPs reported that
both the infrastructure and the stored com-
in some cases they had entered into an agreement
modities against fire.
with WhOs to pay a percentage of the monthly
2. Threat of third-party actions such as theft,
revenues to the WhO rather than a fixed rental.
burglary: WSPs in all districts employ se-
This ensured that the rental costs of the WSP were
curity guards at their warehousing facilities.
aligned with its capacity utilisation of that ware-
There was at least one security guard in
house.
almost every warehousing facility visited
Legal liability risks arise when a WSP fails
during this study. In addition, almost all
to perform a contractual obligation, or becomes
the warehouses visited had a boundary wall
liable to the holder of the warehouse receipt for
(other than some warehouses in Ernakulam45
the actions of its agents or employees. The general
and North 24 Parganas). Some warehous-
and pre-dominant contractual obligation of WSPs
ing facilities had close circuit television cam-
is to ensure the preservation of the commodity, so
eras installed as well. In addition, almost all
that the holder of the WR receives the commodity
WSPs take insurance against theft.
in the condition stated in the WR. If the quantity
3. Threat of loss due to incorrect assessment of
or quality of a commodity is less than that stated in
quantity and quality of the commodity by the
the WR, the WSP becomes liable to compensate
WSPs employees: WSPs and WhOs employ
the holder.
trained personnel at their facilities to manage
WSPs have to take a variety of measures to pre-
and oversee the deposit of commodities in
vent against legal liability risks. One measure is to
accordance with their internal standard oper-
build/ lease/ rent warehousing infrastructure that
ating procedures.46 Almost all large WSPs
is adequate for preservation of the types of com-
also maintain records of visitors, deposits of
modities to be stored. For example, respondents
commodities and WRs issued. The detailed
in Kamrup stated that the construction of ware-
practices of WSPs have been explained in
houses in that area generally takes into account
section 4.2.4.
the threat of earthquakes, as Kamrup falls within
45 A number of small warehouses (approximately 100-300

MT capacity) were located within densely populated areas in
Ernakulam. Such warehouses did not have boundary walls
in certain cases.
46 In some cases where WSPs were maintaining multiple
facilities within a close distance, they maintained a full team
of 5-6 people at a central hub, and 1-2 people at all other
facilities. This allocation of personnel depended upon the
intensity of usage of that particular warehousing facility, as
well as the value of the commodity stored in such facility.
a zone of high seismic activity. Such risks are

common to both WSPs and WhOs (who usually
rent out their facilities for warehousing services).
Numerous other risk mitigation measure pertain
to the warehousing facility. These include:
1. Threat of fires due to natural or man-made
Report
46
4.4. EXPERIENCES OF CONSUMERS
4. Threat of loss due to misappropriation/ theft
schemes (section 4.4.5).
by employees: WSPs usually require that

its employees follow laid-down processes.
4.4.1
Some WSPs have independent, central in-
Categories of users who use warehouses
spection/ vigilance teams that inspect ware-
Farmers
housing facilities periodically. Most WSPs
Farmers comprise the smallest proportion of
reported that such inspections occur at fort-
users of public warehouses.47 Some farmer re-
nightly to bi-monthly intervals. Such in-
spondents in Karnal, Mehsana, Ernakulam, Purnia
spections cover an inspection of the com-
and Kamrup have built storage spaces for their
modity stored against the internal records
personal use. The storage in such make-shift
of the company, as well as an inspection of
godowns is for temporary preservation, till they
whether the standard operating procedures
can sell their produce to the middlemen. Across
are being adhered to. Other than this, WSPs
all the districts visited, farmers stated that they
and WhOs also maintain fidelity insurance
dont use public warehouses to store their crops.
coverage. Smaller WSPs generally did not
This was corroborated with other findings from
have such insurance, and in some cases were
WSPs who verified that of the total stock stored in
unaware of the need and availability of the
their warehouses, less than 5 percent belonged to
same. All large WSPs had fidelity insurance.
farmers. Guntur was an exception where the WSP
Risks also arise from natural disasters or from
stated that seventy percent of the stock belonged
the likelihood of the occurrence of other Acts
to farmers. However, the WSP also mentioned
of God such as civil wars, riots, etc. However,
that many traders book storage space in name of
the WSP is generally not liable for loss caused by
farmers to avail discount in storage rent, therefore
such incidences.
it was difficult to say with certainty if the stock

indeed belonged to farmers.
4.4
Experiences of consumers
Government agencies
Government entities like FCI, The Haryana
This section covers the following:
State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federa-
1. Categories of users who use warehouses, and
tion Limited (HAFED), National Fertilizers Lim-
reasons for non-usage (section 4.4.1);
ited (NFL) and The Cotton Corporation of In-
2. The factors that depositors consider while
dia (CCI) continue to be the biggest procurers
choosing a warehouse (section 4.4.2);
of food and cash crops. The majority of the ca-
3. The concerns of depositors with regard to
pacity of the CWC and SWC warehouses is ab-
storage of commodities - common risks aris-
sorbed by these government entities. In Karnal
ing from low quality warehousing and risk
and Nanded, more than 90 percent of the capacity
mitigation measures (section 4.4.3);
of the CWC warehouses was used up by govern-
4. Incidences of disputes and how they were
47 We
sub-divided the farmers into two categories.

Small and medium farmers (owning upto 20 acres of
land)
Large farmers (owning more than 20 acres of land)
resolved; (section 4.4.4) and

5. Whether government run schemes affect
their choice and their perception of these
Report
47

ment entities. In other districts too, we found that
government agencies reserve warehousing space
for their own consumption leaving very little spare
capacity available for private users of warehouses.
Agencies like FCI use warehouses to maintain
buffer stock for Public Distribution System (PDS).
In the interviews with CWC and SWC, we found
Box 6: Reasons for farmers inability to
that government WSPs prefer to rent out space
use warehouses
to government agencies rather than scouting for
The challenges for farmers to use warehouses and subse-
private depositors.
quently warehouse receipts are detailed below:

1. Farmer respondents stated that they require imme-
Traders
diate cash to finance their business and personal
Traders are the second largest users of ware-
expenses;
houses.48
2. In North 24 Parganas and Karnal the warehouses

were far away from the point of production, and
With the government warehouses
closer to mandis which led to high cost of trans-
mostly used up for PDS, traders use private ware-
portation;
houses to store their stock. After procuring the
3. In certain districts like Karnal, the government sets
stock from aggregators, the arhatiyas choose stor-
the MSP for non-basmati paddy and wheat, resulting in negligible fluctuation through the year.
age option on the basis of clients requirements.
Therefore, there is no incentive to store the com-
Arhatiyas deal with several kinds of clients like
modity in order to profit from seasonal variation in
processors, importers, exporters. Interviews with
prices;
4. Big traders or big farmers crowd out small farmers
traders in Mehsana revealed that the storage re-
in certain cases. This was especially noticeable in

Guntur PACS warehouse where two large farmers
quirements of importers, exporters and traders
occupied a small 200 MT godown.
who deal in NCDEX trade are stringent. On the
5. CWC and SWC warehouses are critically few in
other hand, mill processors who procure stock for
number and largely reserved for government pro-
their own consumption are more accommodative
curement in most of the districts; and

6. Small farmers usually are not able to afford ware-
with storage requirements, that is, they do not
houses due to smaller crop yields. In certain districts like Unjha, private warehouse owners stated
care as much about the quality of stock. In North
that they were unwilling to store small quantities
24 Parganas, one processing company had stored
of produce as it is not cost-efficient. Warehouse

owners stated they prefer to rent out space to a
its stock for its own consumption. In our visit
large group of farmers who aggregate their de-
we found some percentage of the stock infested
posits together use a warehouse.a .
and despite repeated reminder by CMC and the
a Various
farmer producer organisations in

Mehsana, Karnal and Guntur bring together farmers
and help them realise economies of scale
bank, the processing mill had not got his stock

fumigated.
Banks
Banks are direct users of warehouses for preserving the commodities pledged to them. In all
the districts surveyed, stocks were pledged to pub48 For the purpose of this qualitative study, traders includes
arhatiyas and final buyers. This is because the WSPs we

interviewed referred to major stockists broadly as traders.
Report
48
lic and private banks. Traders store crops for long
Box 7: Factors considered by deposi-
periods of time either for deferred consumption
tors while choosing warehouses
or for hedging. During this time, some choose to
In Karnal, farmers stated that when they bring paddy to
pledge their stock. The WSP issues them a WR or
the mandi for sale, the moisture content is high. Subse-
a storage receipt against the stock which then is
quently, the moisture levels drop significantly during stor-
pledged to the bank against a loan. The bank then
age which leads to shrinkage and loss in volume. Due
has a lien over the pledged commodity. Once the
to this farmers preferred to sell their crop immediately
depositor is ready to pay the loan back, he goes
after harvest. In Kochi, traders preferred privately owned
to the bank, pays off the loan and gets a release
warehouses because the respondents felt that private ware-
order. This release order entitles the depositor to
houses are run by CMCs who have more stringent prac-
reclaim the stock and use it or sell it further.
tises for preserving quality of commodities. Similarly, in

Nanded, depositors of turmeric mentioned that the com-
4.4.2
The factors that depositors con-
modity is high value and very sensitive to infestation.
sider while choosing a warehouse
This led them to choose warehouses which were newly

constructed as the spoilage in case of turmeric is faster
All users of warehouses (including farmers,
in older warehouses. In Nanded, depositors yet again
traders and banks) stated that they are primarily
preferred private WSPs because of perceived better pro-
concerned about the preservation of the quantity
cesses.
and quality of stock. When a user chooses a warehouse to store his goods, he expects that the WSP
depends on the following factors:
would be able to take care of the quantity and

quality of stock in such a manner that the value of
1. Cost of transportation
the commodity will be preserved.
2. Rent, and
3. Labour costs.
The quantity of stock can be affected by following factors:
In Mehsana, traders preferred warehouses that
1. Loss of stock due to fire, flood, theft or bur-
were closer to processors, thus confirming that
glary.
transportation charge is an important considera-
2. Loss of moisture leading to shrinkage and
tion for traders. In Guntur, some depositors stated
loss in weight.
that the loading and unloading charges are lower
On the other hand, the quality of the stock can
in government WSPs, while others felt that the
be affected by the following factors:
loading and unloading charges are higher in gov-
1. Moisture gain
ernment WSPs. Depositors in Purnia stated that
2. Infestation of stock
they preferred government WSPs because they
3. Loss of lustre
charge lower rents. In Vidisha and Kamrup too,
4. Intermingling with inferior quality of stock
depositors preferred government warehouses be-
In addition to preserving quantity and quality
cause of lower storage rents.
of commodities, another concern for users is the
Traders who store their crop for purposes of
cost of storage. This is primarily a concern for
hedging are also sensitive to price fluctuations
farmers and traders. The cost of the warehouse
and volatility. This is external to warehousing,
Report
49
however market sentiment and price volatility de-
thus they avoided using those warehouses.
termine the usage of warehouses. For example, if
Traders in Nanded stated that their previous
the market is depressed and the traders expect the
experience with government WSPs was poor.
market to improve then they will choose to stock
They recounted how when they stored their
the commodity in anticipation of higher returns
stock at CWC and SWC warehouses, the
in future. On the other hand, if the commodity
quality of their deposited stock deteriorated
market is bullish then the traders would rather sell
due to leakage, dust and lack of fumigation.
their stock than store it. This was confirmed by
In addition, the warehouse managers were
depositors in Ernakulam and Kamrup who said
apathetic to their concerns. This led them to
that they use warehouses in anticipation of better
prefer private WSPs over government WSPs.
rates and any marginal increase in rates leads to
2. Lack of accountability and transparency: In
liquidation of stock. This finding was also con-
Purnia, farmers felt that government WSPs
firmed in Vidisha where depositors said that they
were unwilling to take responsibility of the
prefer warehouses where the WSP is able to de-
stock and thus the farmers did not feel confi-
liver goods faster. This means that depositors
dent leaving their crop in those warehouses.
especially traders who need to deliver stock at
Traders in Nanded believed that it is diffi-
agreed rates are sensitive to delivery time on part
cult to hold government WSPs accountable
of WSPs.
for loss in quantity or quality of the stock

which is why it was better to stock com-
4.4.3
modities with private WSPs. Both in Purnia
The concerns of depositors with re-
and Karnal, farmers felt that there was no
gard to storage of commodities
transparency with regard to storage rents. In
Farmers and traders in the surveyed districts stated
Karnal, farmers said that private WSPs do
their concerns with regard to storage of commodi-
not provide any public information on rents.
ties. These concerns can be categorised as fol-
Similarly, in Purnia farmers said that WSPs
lows:
should publish rent schedules.

3. Lack of understanding among depositors: In
1. Lack of good quality warehouses: In Guntur,
Purnia, farmers believed that warehousing is
the farmers stated that the only warehouse
a public good and the government should pro-
available to them was a small warehouse
vide it for free. So, while there was a private
constructed by their PACS which could not
warehouse available within their village (Bi-
accommodate all farmers produce. There
rauli), and two privately owned warehouses
were no other government or private ware-
within 2 kilometres of their village, they did
houses nearby. The non-availability of ware-
not use them because they did not want to
houses led them to stop using warehouses. In
pay storage rent. In North 24 Parganas, the
Mehsana, the farmers stated that the only us-
farmers could not fathom the benefits of stor-
able warehouses were within mandi yards
ing their produce. On the contrary they as-
and those warehouses commanded a pre-
sumed that storage of crops will create a glut
mium for their better quality and location.
in the market and suppress the prices. In
This had cost implications for them and

Report
50
4.5. INFRASTRUCTURE FOR E-NWRS
Kamrup, farmers assumed that they alone
for the entire booked space.
can take care of their crops and WSPs cannot

be trusted to take care of their produce.
4.4.4
4.5
Incidences of disputes and how
WDRA intends to make the use of NWRs elec-
they were resolved
tronic in order to enable seamless transfers of

NWRs, more information and transparency about
No incidences of disputes were brought to our no-
the quality and services provided by WSPs, and
tice across surveyed districts. However, our inter-
create minimum standards for warehousing ser-
actions with farmers and traders led us to believe
vices. This requires the large-scale adoption of
that there exists a power asymmetry between de-
the following:
positors and the WSPs. This can be illustrated by
1. Electronic systems for the creation of elec-
the example in Kamrup where the traders said that
tronic NWRs: This will require basic com-
the warehousing space in the district was scarce.
puterised systems for input of relevant in-
For this reason they refrained from asking ques-
formation, as well as precautions embed-
tions or raising concerns with WSPs because they
ded in standard operating processes to pre-
feared that they would be denied warehousing
vent against alteration and tampering of the
space if the WSPs were annoyed. Similarly, the
recorded information.
farmers in Kamrup stated they had doubts about
2. Equipment for accurately testing the quality
how disputes with regard to quantity and quality
of the deposited commodity;
of commodities could be raised or resolved.
4.4.5
Infrastructure for e-NWRs
3. Equipment for accurately weighing the quantity of the commodity to be deposited;
Perception and usage of govern-
4. A centralised system of record-keeping, such
ment run schemes
that the information contained in NWRs may
Government WSPs are mandated to extend dis-
be verified periodically. This will require all
counts to farmers when availing storage space.
warehouses to be connected to the WSPs
However, the farmers in Karnal told us that the
central record-keeping system through the
discount schemes in fact worked against farmers
internet; and
5. A system of general record-keeping for en-
as WSPs preferred to rent space to traders who
abling regulatory supervision;
can be charged higher, thus crowding out farmers. Farmers in Karnal stated that they were often
6. Access to a central repository of NWRs by
denied storage space both by government and pri-
market participants such as farmers, traders,
vate WSPs. Farmers in Karnal also mentioned that
and banks. This will require basic internet
CWC required farmers to make advance bookings
connectivity for all market participants.
and pay rent for the period of non-usage in order to
Technology adoption
block storage space. This made storage expensive
The level of technology adoption and infras-
for farmers. Another concern with advance space
tructure readiness vary across WSPs and other
booking was that if the actual yield fell short of
market participants. Some CMCs have invested
booked capacity then the farmers ended up paying
in and incorporated Systems, Applications and
Report
51
Products data management solutions (SAP) as an
and the central office.
integral part of their warehousing operations. In
Market participants, with the exception of
such cases, the WR is created and all relevant in-
banks do not leverage technology effectively. This
formation is fed live into an internet enabled SAP
is primarily because there are no electronic WRs
system. The central office of the WSP therefore
issued in the market. Receipts are printed and
has immediate knowledge and information about
issued in physical form. It is however noteworthy
the creation of the WR. Some other CMCs have
that there was mobile phone and internet connec-
adopted technology on a piecemeal basis. In these
tivity in all the surveyed districts. Market partici-
cases, while the receipt is generated electronically,
pants can therefore access central records through
the information is not shared centrally through a
mobile based applications as well.
SAP system. Such information is usually shared
Banks maintain central records of all lending
with the central office through more routine forms
against warehouse receipts. Some banks have
of electronic communication, such as encrypted
adopted data management systems specifically
email communication. Smaller WSPs provide
for their pledge financing portfolio. The use of
their clients with printed receipts, but their sys-
technology, and readiness for a system of NWRs
tems themselves are not fully electronic.
was found highest amongst banks.
Generally, the level of technology adoption is
Equipment for warehousing
low, but most large WSPs are moving rapidly to-
Most CMCs and some WSPs had the basic
wards adoption of better technology to improve
equipment for assessing and recording the qual-
their internal control mechanisms. One WSP
ity and quantity of deposited commodities. In
stated that the cost of full SAP adoption was ap-
most cases, such equipment was present in-house
proximately rupees five crore (including training
within the warehousing facility. In certain districts
of personnel), and took about one year to imple-
such as Ernakulam and Vidisha, there were plenty
ment throughout the organisation.
of external weigh-bridge facilities that are used
In regions where the overall market infrastruc-
routinely by depositors and WSPs. Some large
ture is well developed, and exchange linked trad-
WSPs had weigh-bridges that generated the record
ing is common, the level of technology adoption
of the weight electronically, and therefore could
was generally better. In smaller markets, the level
not be tampered with.49
of technology adoption was lower. This is note-
Record-keeping
worthy since technology has the potential to de-
Most WSPs keep records in registers regarding
liver a better integrated view of warehouse perfor-
visitor information, movement of vehicles within
mance in remote areas, and reduce the cost and
the warehousing facility, records of depositors and
fallibility of human supervision.
their personnel. The diligence in record-keeping
Very few WSPs reported a technology enabled

49 Some
WSPs stated that they usually weigh the vehicle

carrying the commodity twice: once with the commodities
loaded, and once after unloading, to arrive at the net weight
of the commodity. In some cases, the commodity is weighed
bag by bag on other weighing equipment after it has been
unloaded from the truck. This is done especially for high
value commodities where there is need for extreme accuracy
in recording the quantity.
system of central inspection. Information captured electronically is usually verified by internal

teams who conduct periodic stock verifications.
There may be situations where there is asymmetric
information between the local warehouse manager
Report
52
however varies widely. Smaller WSPs, especially

those who merely rent/ lease out warehousing
facilities for other WSPs and WSPs do not follow
such processes despite providing some ancillary
services such as security. In this case too, there is
a trend towards better record-keeping, especially
among the nationally organised WSPs.
Report
53
Report
54
Chapter 5
Analysis and recommendations

This chapter analyses the findings in chapter
growth of the warehousing market in the near
4 in order to provide analysis that will enable
future. However, other regulatory changes in
WDRA to regulate the warehousing business bet-
the agricultural sector may have an impact
ter. The warehousing sector is extremely dynamic
on this trend. For example, the government
and in a phase of rapid expansion. Multiple WSPs
has recently launched initiatives to create an
have made substantial investments, and are grow-
integrated online platform for regulated agri-
ing on a national scale. Heavy, intrusive regula-
cultural markets.50 This development may
tion may endanger the growth of this market if
have significant impact on the type of ser-
it unduly restricts certain business activities (that
vices for which warehouses are required in
do not threaten a WSPs core duty to preserve the
the national spot market.
quality of a deposited commodity) or is not nimble
2. The number of farmers using warehouse re-
enough to allow regulated entities to conduct their
ceipts was negligible across all the surveyed
business. The focus of regulatory supervision
districts. Farmers usually do not store their
must be on defining market-relevant minimum
harvest at all, due to high financial liquidity
standards, ensuring standard operating procedures
requirements.51 . It may be concluded that
are adhered to and developing essential market
government programs aimed at subsidising
infrastructure that provides more information and
warehouse usage for promoting financial in-
transparency to the market.
clusion have not been as successful as desired. Access to warehousing should not be
5.1
used as a substitute for direct financial inclu-
The market for warehouse receipts
5.1.1
sion. This has to be done by incentivising

formal lending institutions to provide better
Analysis of findings
50 See
Press Information Bureau, Central Sector Scheme

for Promotion of National Agricultural Market through
Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund, July 2, 2015. Available at:
CentralSectorSchemeforPromotionofNationalAgriculturalMarkett
visited on August 5, 2015. 585 regulated markets across
the country will be integrated with the common e-platform
to provide farmers and traders with access to opportunities
for purchase/ sale of agri-commodities at optimal prices in a
transparent manner across the country.
51 There are other obstacles for farmers to utilise warehouses, which are stated in 6
1. Traders are the dominant users of warehouses across the country. They are also the
largest users of warehouse receipt finance
and are targeted by banks and CMC as potential clients to avail pledge finance. Pledge
financing is likely to be the key driver of the
55

CHAPTER 5. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1.2
quality of services to farmers. The warehous-
Recommendations for improving

the market for warehouse receipts
ing business must be regulated in a manner

so as to making the use of warehouses safer,
trustworthy and more useful.
3. The warehouse receipt market today exists
for licensed warehouses, that are open for
storage to the general public and unlicensed
warehouses, which are primarily used by
traders and processors for their captive use.
Although there is a strong preference by the
banks to fund licensed warehouses, they see
a lot of potential to provide pledge finance to
goods stored in the unlicensed warehouses
with the help of empanelled CMCs. Ware-
house regulation must therefore focus on
ensuring unlicensed warehouses gradually
come within the ambit of regulatory supervi-
sion.
4. Banks in mature markets within the districts
surveyed have all seen their portfolio of
4. An electronic NWR system will enable mar-
pledge finance increase. Traders, who are
major users of warehouses access pledge
finance largely to tide over liquidity constraints. The demand for this service will
5.2
continue to grow organically. Regulation of
Warehousing business operations
warehousing should enable this market to
5.2.1
develop.
5. The perception of the Gramin Bhandaran Yo-
1. As stated in section 4.2.1, warehouse us-
jana scheme has been below average in most
age is not limited to one specific category
of the districts. However, it is undeniable
of users. While traders are dominant users,
that the scheme has encouraged most small
banks, farmers, processors and government
entrepreneurs to build warehouses, usually
agencies (including for storing exam answer
on previously owned land. The increase in
sheets in North 24 Parganas) all use ware-
recent years of land prices in several districts
houses. It is therefore difficult to target pub-
has made building a warehouse without some
lic policy actions aimed at specific categories
form of subsidy very difficult indeed and this
of users such as farmers. Many medium
scheme has provided them with an opportu-
to small farmers are also traders or proces-
nity to break even within eight to nine years.
sors, and vice-versa. Some of them also

trade on commodity exchanges, especially in
Report
56

Mehsana.
can have over another is the quality of its
2. There is a clear segregation in the market
systems and processes, and its experience in
between firms or individuals that construct
managing that particular kind of commodity.
warehouses, and WSPs who provide ware-
This is a clear indicator that banks and other
housing services, including collateral man-
users place greater emphasis on the quality
agement. Firms and individuals involved in
of the services offered by the WSP than the
both, have differing sources and levels of le-
infrastructure. While a basic standard of in-
gal liability. An owner of a warehouse may
frastructure is essential, warehousing busi-
rent out his facility and incur no legal liabil-
ness is fairly active even in regions with low
ity except from those arising from infrastruc-
quality warehouses.
tural infirmities. WSPs however face much
5. There is a high degree of standardisation
higher legal liability as they have actual phys-
in the basic processes followed by WSPs.
ical custody of a deposited commodity.
Every WSP who was a respondent follows
3. Public warehouses (run by WSPs) offer ser-
the same basic processes with regard to in-
vices related to storage for preservation only,
ward movement of commodities, the storage
storage for pledge financing, and storage for
process and for outward movement. These
trading on commodity exchanges. The re-
basic processes of weighing commodities,
quirements of storage, the specific services
sampling, and maintaining stacking plans
to be provided and the degree of external
are common within the industry. They can
oversight differs for all three. Large WSPs
therefore be stated to be minimum require-
that have good internal systems and pro-
ments for any warehousing operation. Their
cesses, electronic record-keeping systems,
widespread prevalence indicates that they
and a proper system of internal inspection
must be considered minimum standards for
and reporting to their clients do not face is-
warehousing operations.
sues in providing all three services. There-
6. Collateral management is a subset of ware-
fore, the basic integrity of storage practices is
housing services, and is most distinct from
a pre-requisite for delivery of proper services
warehousing in cases where the CMC man-
to users.
ages a commodity in a location which is not
4. Warehousing and commodity management
a public warehouse. The other difference be-
is extremely dynamic. WSPs generally have
tween warehousing services and collateral
a mix of self-owned and hired/ leased ware-
management is that the latter involves a tri-
housing facilities. As such, the facilities un-
partite agreement between the WSP, the de-
der the active control and management of a
positor/ borrower and the bank. This is not
WSP may vary widely over time, and from
however a material difference from the per-
region to region. Each large WSP manages a
spective of warehousing regulation. Within
mix of high quality warehousing infrastruc-
the warehousing market, WSPs must be free
ture and low quality warehouses. As many
to compete and provide services that the
WSPs manage commodities in hired loca-
larger market values.
tions, the competitive advantage one WSP

Report
7. The business of collateral management re57

quires dynamism and fluidity in warehouse
ket trust and a larger client base. Compet-
management. In many cases, WSPs ware-
itive forces are therefore constraining up-
houses are leased for less than a year. In
ward revision of charges. This is however
order for effective regulatory oversight, ware-
likely to change with greater penetration of
house registration processes need to nimble
private WSPs in most districts covered dur-
and quick. This will enable the market to
ing the study. With a diversification of the
develop under proper regulatory supervision,
client base, and greater market consolida-
without hindering the growth of the market.
tion, charges will increase, and so will the
8. Exchange linked storage is subject to strict,
consequent incentives for investing in the
direct oversight by the exchange itself. Ex-
warehousing business.
change accredited WSPs have to segregate

exchange-traded storage from other storage,
5.2.2
and follow stricter processes. Such storage
warehousing business operations
is also more expensive than normal storage,

and WSPs are able to charge significantly
higher rents for such storage. As long as
exchanges have obligations to ensure deliv-
ery of exchange traded goods, they will con-
warehouse.
tinue to regularly supervise exchange-linked
storage. Commodity exchanges world-wide
have such mechanisms in place. Regulatory
supervision of warehousing should not cre-
ate entry barriers and performance require-
ments that cater only to the requirements of
exchanges. Doing so would leave out the
bulk of commodity warehousing from its reg-
ulatory purview.
9. Most respondent WSPs complained of high
capital costs, of which land cost was a sig-
nificant component. However, capital costs
are input costs that can be transferred on to
the consumers. Therefore, charges for ware-
housing services are relatively low compared
market development. For this, registration-
to what WSPs expect them to be. WSPs did
related entry barriers must be lower and post-
not discuss why charges cannot be increased.
This can however, also be ascribed to the
operation of market forces. New WSPs are
competing with older ones, usually CWC
and CWCs. Older WSPs have greater marReport
Recommendations for regulating

58

5.3
Risks associated with storage
malfeasance, etc.
5.3.1

1. WSPs face a number of operational risks that
occur in the usual course of business. These
risks are germane to the warehousing sec-
tor, and competitive forces ensure businesses
take steps to mitigate/ overcome such risks.
2. Legal risks faced by WSPs can be insured
against, even if they cannot be prevented.
Proper insurance coverage enhances consumer protection by giving WSPs the ability
5.4
to compensate aggrieved consumers, and not

suffer detrimental losses while doing so. It
Experiences of consumers
5.4.1
also ensures a contractual relationship that

is similar to a fiduciary relationship: the
1. As stated in section 4.4.1, warehouses are
WSP takes on the complete responsibility
used by a variety of users like farmers,
for preservation of the value of the commod-
traders, government agencies and banks. The
ity, even in the case of damage caused by
largest users of warehouses continue to be
third-parties.
government agencies and traders. Therefore,
3. Regulation can also help the market mitigate
policies cannot be targeted to benefit any one
many risks by requiring or specifying stan-
type of depositors. WDRA is keen that farm-
dard operational procedures that will enable
ers are benefitted by NWRs, however the
market participants to mitigate legal liability
farmers continue to be smallest users of ware-
risks. These would mostly arise due to lack
houses.
of good procedures for commodity preserva-
2. Farmers do not use warehouses for a variety
tion, lack of good operational procedures for
of reasons. The main reason among those is
stock verification, lack of proper inspection
the necessity for immediate financial liquid-
systems, and lack of proper safety equipment
ity post-harvest, and the lack of availability
or compliance with safety norms.
of good formal lending channels. This issue cannot be resolved by providing better
5.3.2
warehouses alone. The quality of services
Recommendations for mitigating
provided by participants in the formal bank-
risks in the warehousing business
ing sector needs to improve. It is not correct
to expect that better availability of storage
infrastructure alone will promote greater fi-
nancial inclusion.
Report
59
3. Farmers also do not use warehouses because
and related costs. The regulatory focus must
of lack of aggregation. Fragmented and
therefore be on ensuring minimum standards
small land holdings mean that the volume of
in the quality of preservation. The associ-
an individual producers is not large enough
ated costs are likely to decrease once there
to justify rental costs and other charges re-
is greater supply of warehousing. This sup-
lated to storage. This is another reason why
ply can be enhanced through regulation that
arhatiyas (intermediaries or aggregators) are
helps the market to clearly differentiate be-
large users of warehouses. Such aggregation
tween a WDRA regulated warehouse and an
can be enabled if the warehouse itself be-
unregulated one.
comes a source of aggregation and for sale

and transfer of the commodity. In such cases,
the farmer would deposit his commodity directly at the warehouse, and have the ability
to sell the commodity as it is stored at a warehouse, without going to a regulated market.
5.4.2
4. Respondents repeatedly emphasised as stated
Recommendations for improving

the warehouse user experience
in section 4.4.2 that quality of warehousing

is a key differentiator when it comes to making a choice with regard to a warehouse. In
one case, a trader pointed to slow turnaround
times of one WSP as a reason for switch-
ing to another. Warehousing regulation must
therefore not increase the cost of compliance
so as to deter participants from storage in
regulated warehouses.
5. Many respondents stated that while they
were unhappy about the quality of preser-
vation, they were unable to seek redress or
compensation due to lack of other alterna-
tives in the market. This situation may im-
prove if competition is encouraged and nat-
ural market forces compel WSPs to handle
customer grievances better. In the medium
to long term however, basic standards of con-
sumer protection are necessary to safeguard
the orderly growth of the market.
6. The factors that influence the usage patterns
of warehouses are broadly based on the qual-
ity of preservation promised by the WSP
Report
60
5.5
Infrastructure for e-NWRs

was observed that despite low technology
adoption, the warehousing market does not
5.5.1
require specialised and sophisticated technological knowledge or skills to access price
1. Technology improves record keeping and
and best practices related information. Users
lowers operational costs for a WSP since
can access information through SMS, emails,
it helps them improve their internal control
etc.
mechanisms. By reducing the possibility of
4. There are system wide efficiencies to be had
human discretion and error, technology adop-
by creating centralised data and information
tion can improve the efficacy and reliability
infrastructure for tracking warehouses and
of the warehouse receipts issued by a WSP.
warehouse receipts. The database will have
However, since the initial costs of adoption
several advantages for WSPs and users of
of technology are high, regulatory interven-
warehouse receipts for the electronic system
tion through nudges can substantially help
will solve the inefficiencies of the present
WSPs in adopting technology solutions for
WR system. Paper WRs are susceptible
warehouse database management.
to theft and forgery, they have to be care-
2. The creation of a central repository of infor-
fully maintained and physically transferred
mation about warehouse receipts can serve
between warehouses, owners of receipts and
two purposes; one, of providing warehouse
lien holders to assure protection and trans-
receipt based information to all stakeholders
fer of title. However an e-NWR system will
involved and two, incentivising all WSPs to
override these problems and enable faster
move to the centralised system of storing in-
exchange among receipt holders. The on-
formation. This is because, the operational
line database will reduce transaction costs
costs of maintaining two database manage-
and reduce process time for users. This will
ment systems, one online and another offline,
eliminate any duplication, loss or theft of
for a WSP are very high. Therefore, it is
warehouse receipts. Lending by banks is
highly likely that WSPs would migrate a cen-
likely to increase as the database will solve
tralised, online database management system
the problem of lack of reliable information
with greater connectivity to the other stake-
of warehouse owners, goods deposited and
holders within this market. This may also
the WR.
result in WSPs issuing only NWRs to ben-
5. Physical infrastructure is very important for
efit from the online database management
accurate assessment and recording of de-
system.
posited commodities in a warehouse. Robust
3. Even though the survey found use of technol-
physical infrastructure is the first checkpoint
ogy based solutions by stakeholders of the
to ensure the accuracy and reliability of a
warehousing business to be generally low,
warehouse receipt issued. Although the sur-
it was found that farmers and traders were
vey found that most WSPs did not lack for
aware of the NCDEX prices for the com-
such equipment, in some districts, weighing
modities they produce and trade, which they
assaying equipments was available close to
would benchmark to the commodities. It

Report
61
5.6. CONSOLIDATED RECOMMENDATIONS

the warehouses.

5.5.2
Recommendations for building in-
frastructure for e-NWRs

database of all NWRs issued, which should
be updated real-time with every NWR trans-
action or transfer.
4. An electronic NWR system will enable mar-
alerts etc.
warehouse.
the study had the basic infrastructural re-
quirements (or arrangements) for accurately
commodity. It is advisable that the owner-
ship of weighing and quality testing infras-
tructure is not made compulsory, provided
staff accompany the depositor to ensure cor-
rect measurement of commodities being de-
posited. The presence of in-house weighing

5.6
Consolidated Recommendations
market development. For this, registrationrelated entry barriers must be lower and post-

Report
62

database of all NWRs issued, which must be
updated real-time with every NWRs transac-
tion or transfer.
malfeasance, etc.
alerts etc.
the study had the basic infrastructural re-
quirements (or arrangements) for accurately
commodity. It is advisable that the owner-
ship of weighing and quality testing infras-
tructure is not made compulsory, provided
staff accompany the depositor to ensure cor-
rect measurement of commodities being de-
posited. The presence of in-house weighing
A warehouse is the most likely, and efficient
location for aggregation of agricultural produce.
WSPs are providing value added services that reg-
ulated markets currently provide (for example,
assaying of commodities, checking quantity, ser-
vices with regard to buying and selling of com-
modities, etc). In addition, the legal obligation
to preserve the commodity as per the information
provided in the WRs issued by them creates the
foundations for a national market in agriculture,
based on the credibility of the warehouse receipts

Report
issued by WSPs.
63

WDRA is the appropriate authority to drive this
effort. A state has limited resources, and its resources must therefore be employed in a manner
so as to provide the most useful services for the
market in the most efficient manner possible. It
must regulate so as to use market relevant tests for
supervising warehouses. It must have an efficient
inspection system that inspects diverse aspects
of a WSPs operation and enforces corrective behaviour.
Report
64
Bibliography
Coulter, Jonathan and G. Ramachandran, A strat-
amrscheme / ruralgodownevaluation . pdf

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egy for the development of warehouse receipt

system for agriculture in India, tech. rep., For-
International Finance Corporation, Warehouse
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Finance and Warehouse Receipt Systems, A
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Guide for Financial Institutions in Emerging
//www.fmc.gov.in/showfile.aspx?lid=
Economies, tech. rep., International Finance
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Corporation, URL: http://www.mongolbank.
Department of Food and Public Distribution, Com-
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mittee for Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse

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Mahanta, Dr. Devajit, Review of warehouse re-
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ceipt as an instrument for financing in India,
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wdra . nic . in / FinalBook . pdf (visited on
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08/28/2015).
Merriam, Sharan, Qualitative Research: A Guide
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URL :
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/ / wdra . nic . in / Warehouse _ Act _ 2007 _
Overview.pdf (visited on 11/18/2014).
New.htm (visited on 01/26/2015).
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warehouse receipt finance in agriculture in tran-
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17, 2014, URL: http : / / www . ncdex . com /
fao . org / 3 / a - i3339e . pdf (visited on
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evaluation methods, Thousand Oaks, 2002.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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rbi.org.in/upload/PublicationReport/
Pdfs/62932.pdf.
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WDRA, 2015, URL: http : / / wdra . nic .
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08/28/2015).
Report
66
Appendix A
Annexure: Survey questions

A.1
Questionnaire for CWC & SWC
with WDRA? Why/ why not?

(b) Have you benefitted from registration?
1. Introduction:
(c) Whether you faced any issues with the
(a) Profiles : Size, Capacity, Services pro-
registration process?
vided, commodities stored, staff size
(d) How often do you interact with WDRA
and for what reason?
(b) What is the profile of staff present?
4. Warehouse Receipts(WR) and Negotiable
(c) Where is the warehouse located? What
Warehouse Receipts(NWR)
is the selection criteria, distance from
(a) Do you issue Negotiable Warehouse
mandi, farmers
Receipts(NWR)?
(d) Profile of depositors ( Farmer, trader,
(b) If yes, how much % of stock is
govt. %)
pledged? By whom?
2. Warehousing Business:
(c) How many NWRs have you issued in
(a) What is the operating expenditure for
the last five years?
running the warehouse ?
(d) What is the process for issuing the
(b) What is the revenue from rent and stor-
NWRs? What is the ease of the pro-
age ( CWC mandated per bag storage?)
cess or barriers?
(c) Whether it is owned, managed or
(e) Whether there is awareness amongst
leased?
borrowers and willingness to use NWR
(d) What is the capacity utilisation? (Sea-
vs WR?
sonal average)
(e) Whether there is a standard operating
procedure(SOP) for warehouse management?( For. Eg: Fumigation, quality testing procedure)
(f) Whether any steps are taken for risks
and mitigation steps(insurance)?
3. Warehousing Development and Regulatory
Authority(WDRA)
(a) Whether the warehouse is registered
67
A.2. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR WSPS
A.2
APPENDIX A. ANNEXURE: SURVEY QUESTIONS
Questionnaire for WSPs
Authority(WDRA)
(a) How often do you interact with WDRA
1. Introduction;
4. Storage
(a) Profiles : Size, Capacity, Services pro-
receipts(SR),
Warehouse
Re-
vided, commodities stored, staff size
ceipts(WR) and Negotiable Warehouse
Receipts(NWR)
(b) What is the profile of the staff present?
(a) Do you issue SRs, WRs, NWRs?
(c) What is the location of the warehouse?
When do you issue them and how many

have you issued in the past?
What is the selection criteria, distance
(b) If yes, how much % of stock is
from the mandi, farmers?
pledged? By whom? ( Profiles of peo-
(d) What is the profile of the depositors?(
ple who have pledged )
Farmer, trader, govt. %)
(c) How many SRs/WRs/NWRs are issued
2. Warehousing and CMC business
in the last five years?
(a) What is the Operating expenditure for
(d) What is the process for issuing the
running the warehouse?
SRs/WRs/NWRs? What is the ease of
(b) Whether the warehouse is owned? If
the process or barriers?
yes, what are the capital costs?
(e) Whether there is awareness of borrow-
(c) What is the revenue from rent and stor-
ers and willingness to use NWR vs
age?
WR?
(d) Whether the warehouse is owned, managed or leased?

(e) What is the capacity utilisation? (Seasonal average)
(f) What is the Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) for warehouse management
( Fumigation, quality testing procedure,
security services)
(g) What are the risks in the business?
What are the mitigation
steps(insurance) taken?
(h) What are the terms of engagement
for your Collateral Management Companys services ?
(i) Which banks have you tied up with?
What is your rate ?
(j) What other services do you provide (
procurement)? If so, from whom and
how ( Detail the process)
Report
68
A.3
Questionnaire for banks
A.3. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR BANKS

(f) Whether the bank has a preference of
warehouse? (Govt. vs. Private, Registered vs. Unregistered?)
1. Portfolio;
(a) What is the current pledge financing
(g) Whether there is a cost difference in
portfolio of the bank? ( and as a % of
loan based on whether the commod-
overall loans)
ity is stored in govt. vs. private warehouse?
(b) Whether the loans are issued against
(h) On what basis are loan applications re-
Warehouse Receipts(WRs), Storage Re-
jected?
ceipts(SRs) or Negotiable Warehouse
(i) What are the risks involved and what
Receipts(NWRs)?
are the mitigation steps taken? ?
(c) What has the trend been over the last 5
(j) Whether insurance coverage is re-
years?
quired? If yes, who pays for the in-
(d) What financing products do you offer
surance?
for agriculture commodity financing?

(e) What is the default rate for the loans
(k) Do you currently have a system where
for commodity financing? How many
the information regarding fraud ac-
loans have become Non Performing As-
counts are shared across banks?

4. Collateral Management Companies(CMC)
sets(NPAs)?
(f) What are the targets for the branch?
(a) Which CMCs have you empanelled?
(g) Whether the bank does any marketing
(b) How do you select a CMC?

(c) What are the terms of engagement with
of its commodity finance products and
the CMC?
how?
(d) What are the disputes with the CMC?
2. Borrowers
How have they been resolved?
(a) Profile ( Farmer, Trader, Net worth, col-
(e) Have you dealt with only Warehouse
lateral)
Service Providers(WSP) till now? Can
(b) What is the size of the loans taken?
you envisage a system where there is
(Range and average)
no CMC? Will this impact loan rates?
(c) What is the average duration of the
loan?
Authority(WDRA)
3. Process
(a) Whether you have dealt with WDRA
(a) What is the end to end loan process?
registered warehouses? What the expe-
(b) What are the interest rates? Whether
rience been?
they vary with profile of borrowers?
(b) Whether preferential rates are offered
(c) What are the processing charges
against NWRs?
levied?
6. Perception of government and government
(d) What is the turn around time for loan
schemes
issuance?
(e) What is the loan to value ratio usually?
(a) What is the total benefit availed by bor-
How is this determined ?

Report
rowers under government schemes for

69
A.4. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR WAREHOUSE OWNERS

A.4
warehousing?
(b) How many warehouses have been built
Questionnaire
for
warehouse
owners
under such scheme?

(c) What is the viability of the scheme?(
1. Introduction;
Breakeven, ROI, etc)
(a) Profile. What are the total number

of warehouses owned, size, infrastructure, crops stored, built on ancestral
land/purchased land etc.
(b) What is the profile of the staff?
(c) What is the location of the warehouse,
what is the selection criteria, distance
from the mandi, farmers?
(d) What is the profile of depositors? (
Farmer, trader, govt. %)
2. Warehousing business
(a) What is the capital expenditure and operating expenditure incurred?
(b) What is the revenue from rent and storage?
(c) Whether it is owned, managed or
leased?
(d) What is the standard operating procedure for warehouse management/ warehouse storage operations?
(e) What are the risks involved and what
mitigation steps do you take?
(f) What are the regulations or licences
obtained? Whether the warehouse is
registered?
Authority(WDRA)
(a) Whether you are aware about WDRA?
(b) Whether your warehouse is registered
with WDRA? Why/Why not?
(c) Do you see any benefit of registering
with WDRA?
(d) How often do you interact with WDRA
4. Warehouse Receipts(WRs) and Negotiable
Report
70

A.5. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TRADERS & OTHERS
A.5
Warehouse Receipts(NWRs)
(a) Whether you are aware of WRs/N-
Questionnaire for traders & others
WRs?
(b) Whether you are availing any benefit
1. Introduction;
from them?
(a) Profiles ? What is the size of your com-
(c) If yes, how much % of stock do you
pany, crops dealt with ?
pledge?
2. Procurement process
(d) What are the benefits?
(a) Who do you buy from?
(e) If no, why not?
(b) Who is the rate determined?
(f) What is the process for issuing a
(c) Where do you procure from?
WR/NWR?
3. Storage of goods
(g) What is your perception of the ease in
(a) Where do you store the commodities?
the process or barriers?
(In warehouses,godowns/govt., private)
(h) Have you had any past experience with
(b) Are the warehouses captive? If yes,
WRs?
i. Do you have a Collateral Manage-
(i) Have you dealt with NWR? If no, why
ment Company(CMC)to manage
not?
the goods?
ii. Do you issue Negotiable Ware-
schemes
house Receipts(NWRs)?
(a) Whether you are aware of government
(c) Are the warehouses registered?
schemes for warehousing?
(d) Why not use government warehouses
(b) Whether you have availed any ben-
if rates are better?
efit under any scheme?( NABARD
(e) What is the selection criteria of the
schemes)
warehouse?
i. What was the total loan availed?
(f) What are the cost of storage, rent, trans-
ii. How many warehouses were built?
portation, CMC charges?
iii. What is the viability of the
(g) What is the average duration of stor-
scheme?( Breakeven, ROI, etc)
age?
(c) Whether the scheme has been benefi-
(h) What is the wastage or quality loss on
cial?
the commodity?
(d) What is your perception of the ease,
(i) Whether you purchase insurance for
process to avail benefits and barriers in
the commodities stored? ( What kind,
the scheme?
with whom?)
(e) What are the limitations of the scheme?
(j) What are the benefits of storage?

(a) Whether you are aware about WRs and
NWRs?
(b) Whether you are using WRs and
Report
71
A.6. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR FARMERS
A.6
NWRs?
Questionnaire for farmers
i. If yes, how much % of stock do

you pledge?
1. Introduction;
ii. What are the benefits?
(a) Profile. What is the size of your farm,
iii. If no, why not?
crops grown, yield, harvest season?
(c) What is the process?
(b) Do you have any other sources of in-
(d) What is your perception of the process
come?
of availing loan against WRs/NWRs,
2. Crop cycle
ease of the process or barriers?
(a) What are the resources (time,money)
(e) How has your past experience with
involved in the pre to post production
WRs been?
stages?
(f) Have you dealt with NWR? Why not?
(b) Who do you sell your produce to?
5. Risks involved
(c) How and where do you sell your pro-
(a) What are the overall risks involved in
duce?
your business?
(d) When do you sell your produce?
(b) What are the risks associated with ware-
(e) What price do you get ?
house receipts/NWRs?
3. Warehouse : Access to storage
(c) How do you handle disputes? Do you
(a) Are you aware of warehousing facili-
have any disputes about quality ?
ties in the vicinity? Do you use them?
(b) If yes, then:
schemes
i. Do you have your own warehouse
(a) Are you aware about any government
or do you rent it out? ( If rent, how
schemes for warehousing?
is it determined and why)
(b) Have you availed benefit under any
ii. What do you store?
scheme? (NABARD schemes)
iii. Why do you store your produce?
i. What is the total loan availed?
(own consumption-seed vs pledge
ii. How many warehouses were built?
finance)
iii. What is the viability of the
iv. How do you select the ware-
scheme?( Breakeven, ROI, etc)
houses? (Distance, cost, commod-
(c) Whether the scheme has been benefi-
ity management, infra, etc.)
cial?
v. What are the terms of engage-
ment? (Storage charges, other)
of availing benefit of the scheme, ease/
vi. Do you have any concerns?
barriers?
vii. How has your experience been
(e) What are the limitations of the scheme?
with warehouse owners/CMCs/CWCs/SWCs/Private)

(c) If no, then:
i. Why do you not use warehousing
for your produce? (Prior experi-
Report
72

ence, Money, Accessibility, Lack
of knowledge etc.)
of availing finance, ease of the process
ii. What is the maximum time you
and barriers, if any?
hold the commodity before bring-
(e) How has your past experience been
ing it to the mandi?
with Warehouse receipts?

4. Access to finance
schemes?
(a) If you need money, who do you go to?
(a) Whether you are aware about govern-
(b) What do you need it for?
ment schemes for warehousing?
(c) Whether you prefer informal sources
(b) Whether you are availing benefit un-
or formal sources? Which do you use?
der any of those schemes? (NABARD
Why?
scheme)
(d) What are the terms of the finance

availed?
(c) Whether it has been beneficial?
What is the interest rate
payable?
of availing benefit under the scheme,
(e) What collateral do you provide to avail
ease of the process and barriers, if any?
the loan?
(e) What are the limits of the schemes ?
(f) How has your interaction been with

banks with regard to availing loans,
KCC etc.?
5. Access to information
(a) What information do you have regarding market price for commodities ?
(b) How is the price at which you sell to
the Trader(Arhatiya)determined ?
(c) Do you use crop insurance? Have you
heard about it ?
(a) Whether you are aware about WRs,
NWRs?
(b) Whether you are availing benefit of
WRs and NWRs?
i. If yes, how much % of stock do
you pledge?
ii. Does storage make sense and
why?
iii. If no, why not?
(c) What is the process of availing finance
against WRs/NWRs?
Report
73
Report
74
Appendix B
Annexure: District Profiles
75
Karnal
Abstract
Karnal is a rich rice producing and milling district in Haryana. In addition to rice and paddy, wheat is the
other staple crop of the region. Although warehouse finance was taking place, it was mostly in the form
of warehouse or storage receipt and not negotiable warehouse receipts. The creation of warehouses on a
large scale was because of the attractive rentals as well as large government procurement that existed in
the area. The majority of the farmers, small and marginal sold their crops immediately to brokers at local
markets.There were a lot of export oriented traders in the region due to the ability to procure rice, especially
basmati rice.
Respondents: The respondents were ten farmers, four traders, one collateral manager, four warehouse
owners, one public bank manager, one SWC and one CWC.
Commodities: The agricultural commodities grown in this region are predominantly paddy and wheat.
WDRA awareness: The stakeholders were generally unaware of WDRA. Only the CWC manager was
aware of WDRA as the CWC warehouse was registered and was issuing NWRs.
Government schemes and utilisation: Warehouse owners and traders both have availed the subsidy
scheme under NABARDs Grameen Bhandaran Yojana to build warehouses. This scheme allowed for
issuance of five year term loans to build warehouses for stipulated government use. However, the warehouse
owner had numerous complaints regarding the adherence to contract by FCI. Farmers avail Kisan credit card
loans issued by the bank. They also obtain rebates on purchase of new machinery.
Pledge financing market: The total pledge financing market is approximately Rs 100 crore. The loan
ranges from Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 25 crore. The majority users of commodity pledge financing are traders and
large farmers. The bank see little risk of pledge financing as most of the loans are secured by a collateral
manager or given to a CWC or SWC. However, the bank found the private warehouses to be in a better
condition than government warehouses.
Mehsana
Abstract
Mehsana district is situated in Gujarat. The major crops grown in this region are castor and jeera. The
farmers in this region grow three crops annually. Mehsana has large state of the art private warehouses and
these are mostly owned/leased by Shree Shubham Logistics. As castor and jeera are traded on the NCDEX
exchange, many warehouses in this region are registered with WDRA. This enables warehouse owners to
charge a premium for storing goods in NCDEX linked warehouses.
Respondents: The respondents were six farmers, six traders, one private bank, two warehouse owners
and one collateral manager.
Commodities: The agricultural commodities grown in this region are bajra, potato, groundnut, jeera,
castor, guar seed, isabgol maize, and mustard. The farmers also grow various kinds of vegetables.
WDRA awareness: The farmers were not aware of WDRA. Banks, traders, warehouse owners and
collateral managers were aware of WDRA.
Government schemes and utilisation: The state government procures milk from farmers at a
minimum set price. The farmers avail the Kisan Credit Card subsidy offered by the central government.
Traders and warehouse owners who built warehouses under the NABARD scheme did not receive any subsidy.
Pledge financing market: Major private banks offer pledge financing in this region. Traders and large
farmers are the users of pledge financing.
Ernakulam
Abstract
Ernakulam is an urban district in Kerala with Kochi as the major city within it. The district and the
surrounding regions are known for their pepper and spice production. There is little awareness regarding
NWRs, but traders, bank officials and CWC manager have dealt with warehouse finance. Traders are
the largest users of warehouses and warehouse finance. Large farmers and traders were regular users of
warehouses and used it store high value spices like pepper and cardamom. The demand from agricultural
commodities is significantly lower than the supply of warehouses available in the district, mainly due to the
recent pepper adulteration dispute with the food and safety regulator. The overall demand for warehouse
finance is increasing in the region, with most of the goods pledged being held in captive godowns.
Respondents : We interacted with two small farmers, four traders, one private bank, one warehouse
owner, one private bank , one CWC and a SWC.
Commodities : The major crops grown in Ernakulam are cardamom, pepper, green gram, green peas and
ginger.
WDRA awareness : There is awareness about WDRA and NWRs amongst traders, SWC and the CWC.
The CWC and SWC warehouses are registered with WDRA, however they havent issued NWRs and are
doubtful about the benefits of registration.
Government schemes and utilisation : Some warehouses have been constructed under the GBY scheme
under NABARD. However, no money has been received as per scheme guarantee by the warehouse owners.
Pledge financing market : Major private sector banks provide warehouse financing and funding against
warehouse receipts facility. Paddy is predominantly pledged and financed against in Perambavoor, cashews
in Kollam, pepper, spices, cardamom in eastern Kerala.
Guntur
Abstract
Guntur district, located close to the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, is home to the largest chilli market in
the country. This region also has large mandis for turmeric and lemon and is close to areas which are rich in
paddy production. The storage of these chilli takes place in cold storage facilities. In most of the cold storage
facilities, the farmers make up the same number of traders, if not more. The banks have a large profile and
also fund against cotton, maize and turmeric along with chilli. The chilli traders in the region use the storage
facilities for exports, while the maize traders store and sell their produce to beer and poultry processing
companies. Institutions like ITC and governmental agencies like Cotton Corporation of India have leased
dry warehouses for their own storage. Farmers in the region are members of PACS, which have utilised the
services of a CMC to try and register their warehouses with WDRA. However, the storage facilities are far
outweighed by the demand from the farmers. The farmers storing their goods in dry warehouses, were also
generally unable to hold on to their produce for long, due to the immediate need for money.
Respondents: The respondents were six farmers, five traders, one private bank, three warehouse owners,
one collateral manager, one SWC and one CWC manager.
Commodities: The agricultural commodities grown in this region are paddy, cotton, chilli, maize and
turmeric .
WDRA awareness: The farmers showed little awareness of WDRA or NWRs in spite of the training
sessions that were recently held for farmers in the area. The warehouse owners, traders and even the bank
manager were generally unaware of WDRA. Only the collateral manager that we interacted with were aware
of WDRA and were actively helping farmer run PACS to get their warehouses registered.
Government schemes and utilisation: Dry warehouse owner had utilised subsidy under the GBY
scheme of NABARD to construct warehouses. However, the time taken to provide for the subsidy was
considered to be far too long. The farmers, as a part of the PACS, availed lower interest rates on loans.
Pledge financing market: The trend of commodity pledge financing in Guntur is increasing and the
profile of the banks was exceptionally high last year. Total business in the area for the bank was Rs100-120
crore. The major focus for banks to fund against were cotton and chilli but to a smaller extent included
maize and turmeric. Farmers made up fifteen percent, traders and depositors made up fifteen percent and the
other seventy percent was processors. The loan to value ratio in this region was slightly lower than other
districts at sixty to sixty five percent for farmers and seventy to seventy five percent for traders due to the
inability to grade all the goods scientifically and instead having to grade them visually.
Purnia
Abstract
Purnia is a district situated in Bihar. The major crops grown in this region are maize and potatoes. The
farmers in this region grow three crops annually. Purnia houses the famous Annaj Mandi and it is from
here that the grain requirement of the northeast states are met. None of the farmers have used a warehouse
to store their goods. The traders prefer government warehouses over private warehouses due to the better
prices offered. There are no taxes charged by the mandi because APMC law is not applicable in Bihar. The
existence of middlemen makes it difficult for farmers to access banks and other government schemes due to
the high cost involved.
Respondents: The respondents were eight farmers, five traders, one SWC warehouse, one private bank,
three warehouse owners and one collateral manager.
Commodities: The agricultural commodities grown in this region are maize, wheat, jute, potatoes and
banana.
WDRA awareness: The farmers, warehouse owners and traders are not aware of WDRA. Only banks
and collateral managers are aware of WDRA.
Government schemes and utilisation: Each block is provided subsidised rice and wheat seeds by the
government. However, these seeds are of poor quality and produces low yield. The government provides
subsidy on urea, however the rates have reduced over time.
Pledge financing market: The trend of commodity pledge financing in Purnia is increasing. This is
evident from the value of their portfolio in pledge financing between 2014 and 2015. In 2014 the portfolio
was was Rs 7 crore. In 2015 (Jan-June), the portolio is already at Rs 6 crore. There has been no funding
against NWRs. Majority of the pledge financing users are traders and large farmers.
North 24 Parganas
Abstract
North 24 Parganas in West Bengal is a highly agricultural district. The warehousing market is underdeveloped and the warehouse finance market is not mature with a history of a large fraud that occurred in the
recent past. The banks have lower portfolio size compared to other more mature warehousing states and
districts. They mostly run commodity finance to meet priority sector lending targets. Farmers and traders
were unaware of warehouse finance with traders predominantly using warehouses for storage. Farmers
usually sell their goods to the middleman and could not understand the benefits of storing crops as they
believe that it would cause a glut in the market and suppress rates further.
Respondents: The respondents were six farmers, one private bank, one collateral manager, one SWC and
one CWC manager.
Commodities: The agricultural commodities grown in this region are paddy and mustard. The farmers
also grow various kinds of vegetables.
WDRA awareness: The farmers were not aware of WDRA. Banks and collateral managers were aware
of WDRA but generally unaware of NWRs.
Government schemes and utilisation: The farmers borrow money from NABARD samiti but usually do
not take loans from banks due to the dislike of paperwork.
Pledge financing market: Banks offer pledge financing but have a very limited number of clients and
low portfolio size. The low pledge finance portfolio is also due to the lack of warehousing that exists in West
Bengal and the large fraud in the warehouse finance market that took place in the recent past.
Vidisha
Abstract
Vidisha is a district situated in Madhya Pradesh. The major crops grown in this region are wheat, channa
and soyabeans. The region is only able to grow two crops annually due to scarcity of water. Many large
companies such as ITC and Cargill procure commodities from traders. There are more private warehouses
than government warehouses in the region and the traders generally prefer dealing with private warehouses
due to the prompt services provided.
Respondents: The respondents were five farmers, two traders, one collateral manager, two warehouse
owners, three private banks, one public sector bank and one CWC warehouse in Bhopal city.
Commodities: The agricultural commodities grown in this region are wheat, channa and soyabeans.
WDRA awareness: The farmers are not aware of WDRA. Only traders, banks and warehouse owners are
aware of WDRA.
Government schemes and utilisation: Subsidy on pesticides are not available to the farmers. One
warehouse owner applied to NABARD for subsidy for building a warehouse. However, the warehouse owner
has not yet received any subsidy amount.
Pledge financing market: The total pledge financing market is approximately Rs 60 crore. ICICI bank
has a market share of approximately 65-70% in this region. The majority users of commodity pledge
financing are traders and large farmers.
Nanded
Abstract
Located at the crossroads of Northern and Southern India, Nanded is an important trading hub. Its location
in Maharashtra has created a robust warehousing market and a substantial pledge finance market with the
presence of major collateral management companies.The crops predominantly grown in Nanded are high
value crops such as soya bean and turmeric. Currently, there are very few cold storage facility in the region.
However, given the presence of high value, perishable commodities, cold storage facilities are likely to
come up in few years. The users of warehousing facilities are largely traders, who either own their personal
warehouses or hire a collateral management company to store it in leased warehouses. The awareness of
WDRA and NWRs is limited to only amongst the traders.
Respondents : We interacted with five small farmers, two private banks, one collateral management
company, two warehouse owners, one CWC and a SWC manager.
Commodities : The major crops grown in Nanded are cotton, soyabean, turmeric, groundnut, white
gram, red gram, tur, bengal gram. Price fluctuations in cotton prices have diverted a majority of the farmers
towards soya bean, which has made Nanded a hub for soya bean.
WDRA awareness : The level of awareness about WDRA and NWRs is negligent especially among
the farmer and warehouse owners. Internal management issues have prevented CWCs and SWCs from
registering with WDRA. The traders and collateral managers, who are the majority users of warehousing
also do not see any apparent benefit in registering their warehouses with WDRA.
Government schemes and utilisation :Warehouse owners have availed the Grameen Bhandaran Yojana
( GBY) scheme under NABARD, to build their warehouses and are satisfied with the scheme and the
subsidies offered.
Pledge financing market : Major private banks have pledge finance operations in Nanded. Of the nine
surveyed districts, pledge financing portfolio in Nanded is above average.
Kamrup
Abstract
Warehousing is crucial in Assam because the state serves as a transit point for transporting commodities
to the rest of the states across North East India. Kamrup district has an urban character and the only
major crop grown in the area is paddy. However, owing to its location near the state capital, commodities
from adjoining districts as well as other states are traded here. Pledge financing is largely absent. The
awareness about WDRA and NWRs is limited amongst personnel of the CWC and SWC. Farmers
store their produce in personal, traditional storage structures. Warehousing in Assam falls under the
administrative supervision of the Department of Cooperation, instead of Department of Consumer Affairs, as in other states. This organisational issue has significantly stifled the growth of warehousing in Assam.
Respondents : We interacted with two small farmers, one private banks, two warehouse managers, one
CWC and a SWC manager.
Commodities : The major crop grown in Kamrup is paddy. Betel nut and vegetables are also grown to a
limited extent.
WDRA awareness : There is no awareness amongst farmers or traders about WDRA. Some CWC and
SWC warehouses are registered with WDRA, however they are skeptical about continuing registration.
Government schemes and utilisation : Warehouses have been built under the GBY scheme under
NABARD. Farmers are discontented with the facilities made available to them.
Pledge financing market : There is absence of pledge financing in Kamrup.

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M ACRO /F INANCE G ROUP

Report on warehousing in India

N ATIONAL I NSTITUTE OF P UBLIC F INANCE

State of Indian Agriculture Warehousing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inadequate nationwide regulation and enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Collateral management services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Closed User Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Promoting warehousing in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gramin Bhandaran Yojana (GBY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG), 2008 Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warehouse receipt financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Uses of Negotiable Warehouse Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Regulating warehousing effectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Terms of reference for this study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

District selection and criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Details of the participants/ respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Detailed study schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of respondents covered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selection strategy of respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Data collection procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Findings of the study

The market for warehouse receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Types of warehouse receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pledge finance market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warehousing business operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Profiles of users of warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Profiles of operators of warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Key aspects of the warehousing business and related processes . . . . . . . . . . .

Risks associated with storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Categories of users who use warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The factors that depositors consider while choosing a warehouse . . . . . . . . . .

The concerns of depositors with regard to storage of commodities . . . . . . . . .

Incidences of disputes and how they were resolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Perception and usage of government run schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Infrastructure for e-NWRs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Analysis and recommendations

The market for warehouse receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommendations for improving the market for warehouse receipts . . . . . . . .

Warehousing business operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommendations for regulating warehousing business operations . . . . . . . . .

Risks associated with storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommendations for mitigating risks in the warehousing business . . . . . . . .

Recommendations for improving the warehouse user experience . . . . . . . . . .

Infrastructure for e-NWRs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommendations for building infrastructure for e-NWRs . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Annexure: Survey questions

A.1 Questionnaire for CWC & SWC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.2 Questionnaire for WSPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.3 Questionnaire for banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.4 Questionnaire for warehouse owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.5 Questionnaire for traders & others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.6 Questionnaire for farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B Annexure: District Profiles

Agricultural Produce Marketing

The Cotton Corporation of India.

Collateral Management Company.

Capital Markets Services.

Closed User Group.