core sector communique

Creation of Cold Chain Infrastructure a Thrust Area FPI Ministry Approves 46 Cold Chain Projects

“Creation and Management of cold chain infrastructure” for agriculture has been identified as a thrust area by theHon’ble Prime Minister.               To attract greater investment in setting up of integrated cold chain, the  Ministry of Food Processing Industries implements the Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain, Value Addition & Preservation Infrastructure (part of scheme of Infrastructure Development) and under which it provides financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid  @ 50% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works in general areas, and @ 75% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works in difficult areas including North-Eastern States subject to a maximum of Rs.10.00 crore for strengthening and value addition of cold chain infrastructure.             After revision of the scheme guidelines on 18.03.2010, the Ministry has issued 4 Expression of Interests (EOIs) inviting applications for setting up of integrated cold chain projects and received a total of 349 applications.  Out of these applications, 46 projects have been approved so far. Other Government of India organizations like National Horticulture Mission (NHM), National Horticulture Board (NHB), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and State Governments also provide assistance for cold storages under their respective schemes.                   This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Dr. Charan Das Mahant in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.