Subsidies of 35-50% approved for construction of cold storages

The National Horticulture Board (NHB) is placing a scheme named Capital Investment Subsidy for Construction or Expansion or Modernisation of Cold Storages and Horticulture Product Storages.

Credit-linked back-ended subsidies of 35% of the capital value of the project in general regions and 50% in the North East, Hilly States, and Scheduled areas are approved under this scheme for cold storage capacity more than 5000 MT and up to 10000 MT for the construction or expansion or modernisation of Cold Storage and Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores. A capacity of over 1000 MT is also acceptable in the NorthEast Region.

As a sub-scheme of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), there is presently no purpose to increase the subsidy for a cold storage facility.

Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, rendered the details in a written reply to Rajya Sabha on December 10, 2021.

Lack of cold storage units have usually been a difficult problem for Indian farmers, therefore this subsidy would assist the farmers in maintaining their farm produce. Food wastage is additionally an issue that rises in cold storage buildings will help mitigate.

Due to a lack of cold chain infrastructure, India throws away a significant amount of its farm products, with 16% of fruits and vegetables thrown away every year. Up to 10% of oilseeds, pulses, and grains generated in India are wasted.

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