Govt Offers Financial Assistance for Setting Up Cold Storage Facilities Nationwide For Horticulture Produce

In a bid to fortify the country's agricultural infrastructure, the Government of India has extended substantial financial assistance for the establishment of cold storage facilities catering to perishable horticultural produce. Over the last five years, the government has been actively supporting this initiative, with detailed state-wise information provided in Annexure I.

A study conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) in 2015, titled "All India Cold-chain Infrastructure Capacity (AICIC-2015)," emphasized the need for cold storage facilities to meet the growing demand. At that time, the required capacity was estimated at 351.00 lakh MT, while the existing capacity stood at 318.23 lakh MT in 2014. The latest data reveals a commendable increase, with 8653 cold storage currently operational, boasting a combined capacity of 394.17 lakh MT (Annexure-II).

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Various government schemes are in place to facilitate the establishment of cold storage units for perishable horticultural produce across the nation. Recognizing the multifaceted needs of the agriculture and horticulture sectors, financial assistance is not limited to cold storage alone. Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), support is extended for the establishment of Pre-cooling Units, Cold Rooms, Pack Houses, Integrated Pack Houses, Preservation Units, Reefer Transport, Ripening Chambers, and more.

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These components, driven by demand and entrepreneurship, receive government assistance in the form of credit-linked back-ended subsidies. In general areas, the subsidy rate is set at 35% of the project cost, while in hilly and scheduled areas, it stands at an enhanced rate of 50% of the project cost. The onus of implementation lies with the respective State Horticulture Missions (SHMs), ensuring a decentralized approach to meet the specific needs of each region.

This strategic initiative not only addresses the storage challenges faced by farmers but also aims to mitigate post-harvest losses, ensuring better income realization for agricultural practitioners. As the agricultural landscape evolves, the government's commitment to enhancing cold storage infrastructure stands as a testament to its dedication to the prosperity and sustainability of India's agricultural sector.

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