National Centre for Creation of Additional cold Storage Capacity

The Government has set up a National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) as an autonomous body which has been registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act 1860. The main objectives of NCCD are:

(i) To recommend standards and protocols for cold chain infrastructure/building including post harvest management so as to harmonize with international standards and best practices and suggest mechanism for bench marking and certification of infrastructure/building, process and services provided by cold chain industry.

(ii) To undertake and coordinate Research and Development (R&D) work required I development of cold chain industry consultation with stakeholders.

(iii) To undertake and coordinate the task Human Resource Development (HRD) 2l capacity building. It may also conduct r house training, short-term/long (ours' relevant for cold chain development.

(iv) To launch publicity campaign to educa¬te the stakeholders including awareness building about the benefits of integrated cold chain.

(v) To recommend appropriate policy framework relating to development of cold chain.

According to a study done by National Spot Exchange (NSE) in 2010, on the basis of peak season production and highest arrival/harvesting of storable fruits and vegetables in a month, cold storage capacity of 23.51 million MT was available against the requirement of 61.13 million MT to store perishables. The cold storage capacity as on 31.03.2012 has been estimated at 29.71 million MT.

This information was given by Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

MP:CP: capacity (7.9.2012)
(Release ID :87578)