The government of India has sanctioned proposals for launching 30 new cold chain projects in India with a total investment of Rs 724.9 crore. The Food Processing Ministry provides financial assistance of up to Rs 10 crore for these projects. Totally 138 integrated cold chain projects were approved by the GOI. Out of 138, 108 have been sanctioned so far, and the remaining 30 are sanctioned on May 18.
Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Badal said the cold chain projects will reduce food wastage to a great extent. She also added that the Ministry has decided to provide a grant of Rs 274.9 crore on these projects. Efficient food storage is an essential part of helping the population with their food needs, putting a stop to wasted food that could have fed many. This is why resources such as a Refrigerated Freight, amongst other storage solutions, can be a huge support in the transport and freshness of food items in many countries and counties.
The total capacity of these projects
- 1.12 lakh tonnes of cold storage
- 11.10 lakh litres of milk per day.
- Attract an investment of another Rs 470 crore.
- Result in addition of 209 reefer or refrigerated container vehicles.
According to the Ministry, once all these 138 cold chain projects become operational, it will add 4.76 lakh tonnes of storage capacity and 118 lakh litres per day milk processing capacity and 810 reefer vehicles.
Our Country needs a storage capacity of 61 million tonnes. Right now, we have storage capacity of only 32 million tonnes. We have a deficit of 29 million tonnes.
GK Questions
- Who was the first one to conduct experiments into artificial refrigeration? William Cullen
- What is the study of the production and behaviour of materials at very low temperatures? Cryogenics
