Encouraging Private Investment to Reduce Post Harvest Losses

Creation of post harvest infrastructure including cold storages may reduce storage losses substantially by enhancing shelf life and availability of these perishables in lean seasons. Government is implementing various credit linked assistance programmes to encourage private investment for creation of post – harvest infrastructure including establishment of cold storages, processing units, pack houses, pre-cooling units, controlled atmosphere infrastructure, reefer vans and ripening chambers. Credit linked back ended subsidy at 35% of the project cost in general areas and at 50% in hilly and scheduled areas is available to entrepreneurs, cooperatives, FPOs and companies under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) of this Ministry. 

Besides, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) is implementing a scheme to provide integrated cold chain, value addition and preservation infrastructure facilities from farm gate to consumers. Assistance is available at 50% of total cost of plant & machinery and technical civil works in general areas and 75% in difficult areas subject to maximum of Rs.10.00 crore/ project. 

Further, Ministry of Commerce through Agricultural & Processed Food Products Expert Development Authority (APEDA) provides assistance at 25% for cost of cold chain equipment subject to a ceiling of Rs.10.00 lakh per beneficiary for the units related to export activity. 

This information was given today by the Minister of State for Ministry of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply to Lok Sabha