The cold chain is must for the economy growth of every nation in present day world. It’s role is paramount in the agriculture and Horticulture sector as it ensures that perishable products are safe and of high quality at the point of consumption. Failing to keep product at the correct temperatures can result in textural degradation, discoloring, bruising, and microbial growth.
India has come a long way in ensuring that cold chain grows at rampant pace and make it world class.
As per a study on “All India Cold Chain Infrastructure Capacity (Assessment of Status & Gap)” conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (NABCONS) that was commissioned by the National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) under Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the requirement of cold storage in the country is 35 million MT, while capacity of such storage is around 32 million MT.
Though the Government is not establishing such facilities on its own, it is implementing various demand driven schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for extending financial support for setting up of such facilities by individuals/ entities who come forward with eligible proposals as per respective scheme guidelines.
This information was given by Minister of State for M/o Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha few time back.
The hope on ground zero is that the cold chain would continue to grow throughout the country so that our agricultural and Horticulture produce always gets optimum value . In Jammu and Kashmir the role of cold chain becomes all the more important when it comes to all important apple sector .
