Government Clears Development Of 101 Integrated Cold Chains To Boost Food Processing Industry

In a move aimed at providing farmers and traders access to affordable cold storage facilities, Minister for Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Badal, has sanctioned the development of 101 integrated cold chain projects throughout the country.

The move is a part of the ministry’s plan to build a National Cold Chain Grid so that all food producing hubs are connected to cold storage and processing industries.

Despite the fact that India is one of the largest food producers in the world, only 2.2 per cent of our produce is processed. A lot of this shortfall can be attributed to the lack of proper cold storage facilities in the major food producing hubs.

The network of cold chains that the ministry aims to develop will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing infrastructure but also help in doubling farmers’ income in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

According to Press Information Bureau (PIB), the creation of these cold chains will lead to development of additional capacity of 2.76 lakh metric tonne of Cold Storage,115 metric tonne per hour of Individual Quick Freezing capacity, 56 lakh litres per day of Milk Processing, 210 metric tonne per batch of Blast Freezing and 629 Refrigerated/Insulated vehicles.

The scheme will also support new entrepreneurs by providing them financial assistance up to Rs 10 crore.