New Delhi: Jammu & Kashmir BJP President and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Sat Paul Sharma, sought reply on an important public-interest issue in the Rajya Sabha regarding the lack of cold storage and transport facilities in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly affecting perishable agricultural produce such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, saffron, apples, and walnuts.
In response to the unstarred question, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur provided a detailed written reply outlining the measures being undertaken by the Government of India to strengthen post-harvest management and logistical infrastructure in the Union Territory.
The Minister informed that the Government is implementing various schemes aimed at creating and strengthening cold chain infrastructure and transportation facilities across the country, including in Jammu & Kashmir.
Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), financial assistance is being provided for establishing cold storage units, controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, pack houses, refrigerated vans, and ripening chambers. Being a major horticulture-producing region, Jammu & Kashmir is receiving assistance under MIDH based on proposals submitted and approved by the State Level Executive Committee.
Additionally, under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, support is extended for the creation of integrated cold chains and value addition infrastructure, including reefer transport facilities.
The Minister further stated that the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) provides medium- to long-term debt financing for post-harvest management infrastructure, including cold storage and refrigerated transport systems. Support is also being extended under Operation Greens, which aims to stabilize supply and reduce post-harvest losses of perishable crops by promoting value chain development, storage, and transportation infrastructure.
Regarding timelines, the Minister clarified that the development of cold storage and transportation facilities is a continuous process and depends on viable project proposals, financial closure by proponents, and statutory clearances. Generally, projects sanctioned under these schemes are implemented within a period of 12 to 24 months.
On the question of inter-ministerial coordination, the Government stated that logistical infrastructure such as roads and railways falls under the mandate of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and the Ministry of Railways. A coordinated approach is being adopted to enhance multimodal transportation networks and last-mile connectivity. Notably, action has already been initiated for setting up a Multi Modal Logistics Park at Jammu to facilitate timely transportation of agricultural produce, including apples, saffron, and walnuts.
To reduce and mitigate post-harvest losses, the Government is promoting scientific post-harvest management practices such as grading, sorting, and packaging; establishing cold chain infrastructure from farm gate to market; encouraging Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for aggregation and better market linkage; implementing market reforms and digital platforms like e-NAM for improved price discovery; and providing capacity building and technical guidance to farmers and stakeholders.
Sat Sharma stated that strengthening cold storage and transportation infrastructure is crucial for safeguarding the interests of farmers and horticulturists of Jammu & Kashmir, reducing post-harvest losses, ensuring better price realization, and boosting the region’s agricultural economy. He reaffirmed his commitment to continuously raising issues concerning farmers and ensuring that Jammu & Kashmir receives adequate infrastructural and financial support from the Central Government.
