The MoFPI 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 at 50% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works in general areas, and at 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 crore for strengthening and value addition of cold chain infrastructure.
Other government organisations 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. The schemes of the ministry and other organisations are being implemented in the country.
After identification of 'Creation and Management of Cold Chain Infrastructure' for agriculture as a thrust area by the prime minister, the Planning Commission has constituted a committee under Saumitra Chaudhuri. This committee has made a number of recommendations for augmenting the facilities of cold chain and cold storages in the country. The ministry has already initiated actions on various short-term, mid-term and long-term recommendations of the committee. In order to oversee the implementation of policies and programmes for cold chain infrastructure, an Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) has been constituted under the chairmanship of the secretary, ministry of agriculture.
This information was given by the minister of state for food processing industries Dr Charan Das Mahant in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
