Odisha govt rolls out policy to revive cold store, govt to provide subsidy up to Rs 6.5 crores: Deputy CM Deo
Bhubaneswar, December 14
Odisha Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said that the state government has rolled out a policy for anyone who wants to revive their cold store, asserting that the state government would provide a subsidy of up to Rs 6.5 crores that can be availed after the entire paperwork process is over.
Speaking to reporters, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said, "Currently, we have 33 cold stores which are in operation. A lot of cold stores are lying dormant. The state government has now come out with a policy for anyone who wants to revive their cold store. Secondly, earlier we said that there should be one cold store per subdivision, but if there is demand for more than one cold store in a subdivision, we are willing to approve that. People have to apply online and application is processed and sanctioned. The government subsidy is up to Rs 6.5 crores and can be availed after the entire paperwork process is complete. And we are not delaying anywhere..."
Deputy CM Deo attended and addressed the Cold Storage Conclave and Buyer-Seller Meet in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
The conclave was organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in partnership with the Government of Odisha and the Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL).
Deo emphasised the critical need for robust, innovative cold storage infrastructure to strengthen farmers' livelihoods and ensure food security in the state.
The government plans to construct 58 new cold storage units across subdivisions, with an investment of Rs 252 crore, to reduce post-harvest losses and boost potato production. The Deputy CM said that the state government will provide a maximum subsidy of Rs 6.5 crores for cold storage, and more than one cold storage unit per subdivision may be allowed if required.
The event provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, cold storage operators, and agri-value chain stakeholders to explore solutions to accelerate Odisha's agri-logistics transformation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good policy on paper, but the real test is in the implementation. "After the entire paperwork process is over" – this is where things usually get stuck in our system. Hope there's a single-window clearance and timelines are respected. Farmers have waited long enough for such infrastructure.
As someone from the agri-business community in Eastern India, this is very welcome. The flexibility to have more than one cold store per subdivision based on demand is a practical move. It will help in creating a more efficient supply chain for potatoes and other vegetables. Jai Odisha!
Investing Rs 252 crore in 58 new units is significant. The focus on food security and farmer livelihoods is crucial. I hope they also incorporate renewable energy solutions for these cold stores to make them sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.
Reviving dormant cold stores is a smart way to utilize existing assets. The subsidy should help cover modernization costs. My only request to the government: please ensure transparency in the selection process. The benefits should reach genuine entrepreneurs, not just those with connections.
This will be a game-changer for small farmers in Odisha. Often, they are forced to sell at low prices due to lack of storage. With proper cold storage, they can get better prices and reduce wastage. Hope the policy is widely advertised so people in rural areas know about it.
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