By IANS,
New Delhi : The National Horticulture Board will give capital investment subsidy of Rs.614.86 crore to 2,221 firms for creation, modernization or expansion of cold storage facilities at a rate of 25 percent of the project cost.
“A total number of 2,221 cold storages with capacity of 92.23 lakh tonnes have been approved so far with eligible subsidy of Rs.614.86 crore,” said an agriculture ministry statement here Tuesday.
Cold chains are essential for storage and distribution of perishable commodities like vegetables and fruits. The present cold storage capacity in the country is grossly inadequate.
“With a positive future outlook for the agro and food processing there is an urgent need to increase and develop integrated cold chain facilities across the Country,” said a ministry official.
Under National Horticulture Mission scheme, financial assistance is provided for the development of post harvest management, including for cold storages and cold chain component.
“Subsidy at the rate of 40 percent (for general areas) and 55 percent (for hilly and tribal areas) of capital cost of the project is available for both public and private sector enterprises,” the statement said.
“The subsidy for the private sector is credit linked and back-ended,” it said.