Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana announced plans to build large cold storage facilities in every Indian district to prevent the spoilage of fresh produce. This initiative aims to enhance the pricing power of farmers' fruits and vegetables.
During a review meeting on horticulture-related projects, Rana emphasized the importance of adhering to the Budget 2025-26 timelines, stating that officials will be held accountable for delays.
In Sirsa, a modern processing and packaging plant for kinnow fruit is in progress, with three acres identified and a draft Detailed Project Report prepared. Similar facilities for guava are being planned in Hisar and Fatehabad.
The Minister directed the prioritization of establishing one large cold storage facility per district and recommended the use of solar energy to cut costs and increase income. The initiative includes a 35% subsidy on cold storage facilities up to 5,000 metric tons, costing between $202,000 and $252,000 per beneficiary.
Farmers are encouraged to cultivate crops that need less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. The Ministry also reviewed beekeeping and mushroom cultivation schemes.
Minister Rana highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's leadership, the state government aims to better farmers' economic conditions through various cost-reducing and income-enhancing schemes.
Source: CNBC TV 18