Govt incentives for cold chain

Under the schemes launched recently by the Government, it will provide financial assistance to the concerned entrepreneurs for setting up cold chain infrastructure. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has sanctioned 121 cold-chain projects for impl

With an objective of creating integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure facilities without any hurdles from the farm gate to the consumer, Ministry of Food Processing Industries has implemented a Central Sector Scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure.

The ministry also launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme i.e. National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) during 12th Plan. The NMFP is being implemented by the State/Union Territory governments. Under the Mission, financial assistance will be provided for setting up cold chain infrastructure through schemes. In Reefer Vehicles scheme financial assistance to standalone reefer vehicles and mobile pre-cooling vans for carrying & transporting, both horticultural & non-horticultural produce will be given as credit linked back.

Integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure can be set up by individuals, groups of entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations ( FPOs), NGOs, Central/State PSUs, etc. Under the scheme of Cold chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure, the Ministry has sanctioned 121 cold chain projects for implementation in the country.

In addition, the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), the National Horticulture Board (NHB), and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the aegis of Department of Commerce, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India are also providing assistance for setting up cold storages under their respective schemes.