In a new initiative Government of India has approved 27 new integrated cold chain project worth Rs. 743 crore. Benefits will be accrued to more than 2.5 lakh farmers and more 16 thousand jobs will be created in the sector.
The projects have been approved under the scheme for integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
Project will focus on creating innovative infrastructure and efficient cold chains so that proper processing of food can be done. These projects with a grant-in-aid of Rs 208 crore will help increase efficiency and sustainability in India’s food supply chain.
The projects have been approved across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
Under this scheme MoFPI will be granting general aid of 35 Crore to the plain areas and 50 crore for the hilly areas of North East, Himalayas and islands.
The grant of 10 crore will also be extended to the areas for value addition steps in the food processing techniques including irradiation facility and other stringent cleanliness facilities.
The integrated cold chain projects will boost growth of food processing infrastructure and help in streamlining the agricultural supply chain, generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in rural areas, provide better prices to farmers, end-users, and benefit allied sectors.
