He informed this in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
He added that to attract greater investment in setting up of integrated cold chain, the ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI) implements the Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain, Value Addition & Preservation Infrastructure (part of scheme of Infrastructure Development).
He pointed out that under the scheme, MoFPI 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.
After revision of the scheme guidelines on March 18, 2010, the ministry has issued four Expressions of Interest (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 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 under their respective schemes.
