What's Happening?
The Odisha government has announced plans to establish 58 cold storage units by the fiscal year 2029-2030, with an investment of Rs 252 crore. This initiative, revealed by Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh
Deo at the Cold Storage Conclave and Buyer-Seller Meet, aims to enhance the state's cold chain infrastructure and strengthen market linkages for farmers. The event was organized by the Agricultural Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd (APICOL) in collaboration with ASSOCHAM. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the importance of policy interventions such as capital investment subsidies and interest reimbursements to revitalize defunct cold storage units and ensure the viability of new projects. Principal Secretary Arabinda Padhee highlighted Odisha's transition towards market-led agriculture, noting the state's status as a rice-surplus region and its significant production of food grains and horticultural products.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of these cold storage units is crucial for enhancing the agricultural supply chain in Odisha, which has been a rice-surplus state for over a decade. By improving cold chain infrastructure, the state aims to reduce post-harvest losses, increase the shelf life of perishable goods, and provide farmers with better access to markets. This initiative is expected to attract private investment and create job opportunities, thereby boosting the local economy. Additionally, the policy interventions proposed by the government could serve as a model for other states looking to improve their agricultural infrastructure and market linkages.
What's Next?
The Odisha government will likely focus on implementing the proposed policy interventions to attract private investment and ensure the successful establishment of the cold storage units. Stakeholders, including farmers, investors, and policymakers, will need to collaborate to address potential challenges such as logistical issues and funding. The state may also explore partnerships with private companies to leverage their expertise in cold chain management. As the project progresses, the government will need to monitor its impact on the agricultural sector and make necessary adjustments to maximize benefits for farmers and the economy.
