According to Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Shri Ravneet Singh, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) continues to implement the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure scheme, a key initiative that has been in place since 2008. The scheme, aimed at establishing cold chain projects across various sectors, was merged with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) in 2017. However, as of June 8, 2022, cold chain projects related to the fruit and vegetable sector have been shifted to the Operation Greens scheme, another component under PMKSY.
MoFPI does not directly establish food processing units but follows a demand-driven approach, inviting applications and proposals from eligible entities through periodic Expressions of Interest based on fund availability. These proposals are evaluated and approved on a merit basis, in line with the scheme’s guidelines.
Cold chain projects can be developed by individuals, including farmers, or entities such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private firms. Financial assistance is provided in the form of grants or subsidies, covering 35% of the eligible project cost in general areas and 50% in difficult areas or for projects involving SC/ST, FPOs, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with a cap of ₹10 crore per project.
MoFPI continues to invite proposals nationwide for cold chain projects, and while state government consent is not required for food storage, their assistance is necessary for statutory approvals to establish the projects.