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India strengthens cold-chain infrastructure to curb post-harvest food losses
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Wednesday, 17 December, 2025, 13 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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In a bid to reduce food wastage and boost agricultural efficiency, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has highlighted ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen cold-chain infrastructure across the country, a crucial component in cutting post-harvest losses of perishable produce. The information was shared in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh.
The Ministry commissioned a comprehensive study through NABARD Consultancy Services Ltd (NABCONS) to assess post-harvest losses in agricultural commodities between 2020–22. The study found significant losses across key categories — including 12.49 million tonnes of cereals, 7.36 million tonnes of fruits, and 11.97 million tonnes of vegetables resulting in combined monetary losses running into tens of thousands of crores of rupees.
To tackle these inefficiencies, the integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure scheme, part of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, is supporting the development of cold storage, reefer transport, and related facilities nationwide. The scheme operates on a demand-driven basis, inviting project proposals whenever funding is available, and aims to enhance the storage capacity for perishables, reduce wastage, stabilise prices, and improve farmers’ incomes.
MoFPI officials stressed that reducing post-harvest losses not only helps ensure a more robust food supply chain but also contributes to market price stability and can have positive environmental impacts by curbing avoidable greenhouse gas emissions linked to food waste.
State-wise data submitted alongside the reply highlight the spread of cold storage and controlled atmosphere facilities across India, indicating progress but also underscoring the need for further expansion to meet the nation’s storage and preservation needs.
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