COLD STORAGE: THE DIRE NEED OF MODERN ERA

INTRODUCTION

Cold storage is the storage of any temperature-controlled substance that prevents that substance from decaying and help in maintaining their quality. It is the large refrigerated room designed for the storage of goods at the required temperature.
The products of perishable nature can be stored in it like vegetables, fruits and frozen meat products.

SCENARIO IN INDIA

1. India is the largest producer of milk and the second-largest producer of fruits
2. Total food grain production stands at 255 MT, whereas the horticultural output is more than 268 MT
3. 20-30% Food items are decayed every year.
4. Rs.21000 crore will be invested in setting up of cold storage to address the problem of stockpiling of perishable commodities

ADVANTAGES OF COLD STORAGE

A.   Wide range of uses

Cold storage rooms are temperature adjustable, they can be used for different functions by adjusting the temperature to change from a drying room to help control the moisture content of the products being stored to a blast freezer. These units are airtight, they will also help to protect your products from extreme temperature and weather changes that will happen outside of the unit. Another great thing about these containers having an adjustable temperature range is that they can be used as a dehumidifier to help to dry out and control the moisture content when dry storage is needed. The temperatures inside most of these units can be adjusted from a low of negative thirty degrees Celsius to a plus thirty degrees Celsius. Simply set the unit to the preferred temperature and the cool storage unit will take care of the rest.

B.   Customisable sizes and settings

Cooler rooms refrigeration technology has developed to the point where many different sizes and types are available for your particular need. These custom units can be fitted with the correct refrigerant system to meet the particular needs you may have. You may not need a unit that is constantly working at freezing temperatures to keep your products frozen. If this is the case, a refrigeration unit is available to keep your products dry and cool. Not only can you select different refrigeration types, but these units can also be constructed to any shape, as well as the particular size you may need. Portable units and permanent stationary units are available in many sizes.

C.   Backup Capabilities and Accessibility

Not only will a cold storage room provide an extra storage area they can also be used for added protection of your products. When you have the threat of losing electricity, the contents of the coolers and refrigerators can be moved into the cold storage area. The airtight construction of a cold storage room will allow the temperature of the area to remain at a lower and constant temperature for a longer period. This will allow you to store more products for longer in the event of an electrical outage. Cold storage rooms can also be set up to meet the storage needs you require. By adding wire, shelving racks any storage task can be accomplished. Freestanding storage racks can be used so they can be moved in and out, as the storage needs change. Wire racks are great to use because fresh air can constantly surround the products that are stored on the wire rack.

LACK OF COLD STORAGE FACILITY

Cold storage the facility is crucial to minimize the post-harvest losses; 40-50 percent of India's fresh produce goes waste due to poor cold chain infrastructure.
At the time of harvesting the crops, the quantity of goods are available in large number but due to the lack of demand in the market, Farmers have to store in the normal warehouses, Due to which the perishable products go into waste after some span of time.
Readily available cold storage facilities can extend the lifespan of products; Lack of cold storage facilities often leads to attacks by pests and other organisms. The damage leads to a reduction in market value. In some cases, the produce is declared unfit for consumption and has to be destroyed.

Shortage of adequate infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, outdated technology and inconsistent power supply are other major obstacles in the growth of cold chain infrastructure in India.

RECENT INITIATIVES OF THE GOVT

1. Planning Commission committee on encouraging investments in supply chains including provision for cold storages for more efficient distribution of farm produce recommended several steps to strengthen the agriculture supply chain by developing a robust cold chain infrastructure.
2. An Inter-ministerial Group (IMG) has been set up to implement the recommendations of the Report of the committee.
3. National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD), an autonomous center for excellence, has been established as a registered society to work in close collaboration with industry and other stakeholders to promote and develop an integrated cold chain in India.

FISCAL INCENTIVE FOR INVESTMENT IN COLD CHAIN

1. section 80-IB of the Income Tax Act provides deductions in respect of profits from industrial undertakings related to Cold Chain. For the first 5 years, the deductions are @ 100% and then @25/30% for the next 5 years.
2. Under Section 35-AD of the Income tax Act 1961,deduction @ 150% is permitted for expenditure incurred on capital investment in setting up a cold chain facility
3. Cold chain projects are eligible for External Commercial Borrowings
4. Concessional rate of custom duty @ 5% on imported equipment for cold chain facility under the project import benefits

OTHER GOVT. AGENCIES PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT

A.   National Horticulture Board (NHB)- NHB provides capital investment subsidy for construction/expansion/ modernization of cold storages:

Back-ended subsidy @ 40% of the project cost @ Rs 6000/- per MT for normal cold storages, @ Rs 7000 & Rs 8000 per MT for specialized cold storages and @ Rs 32,000 per MT for CA storages.

B.   Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

APEDA, under the Establishment of common infrastructure facilities, provides financial assistance for setting up specialized storage facilities such as CA / MA cold storages, deep freezers, etc.:  100% grant in aid to APEDA or any other Government or Public Sector agency like Airport Authority of India or Port Trust etc.  @25% of the cost subject to maximum of Rs. 10 lakh per beneficiaries in other cases.

C.   Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC)

DAC under National Horticulture Mission (NHM) provides financial assistance for Packhouse/ On-farm collection & storage unit, Pre-cooling unit, Cold storage, CA/MA storage, Reefer vans, Ripening chamber,.Primary/ Mobile / Minimal processing unit  Credit linked back-ended subsidy @40% of capital cost of the project in general areas and @55% in case of hilly and schedules areas for a maximum storage capacity of 5000 MT per project @Rs. 6000 per MT.  For CA storages - @Rs. 32000 per MT for 5000 MT storage capacity.

BENEFITS OF SOLAR COLD STORAGE

A. To convert solar radiation into electricity for the power generation

B. Solar thermal energy can be used to run the refrigeration system makes the environment friendly

C. Huge cut short in monthly electricity bills.

D. To ensure uninterrupted supply for maintaining the required temperature of the chambers continuously

For more information contact below:-

Compliance Chambers

Advisory & Consulting

Address F-2 / 151, Sector - 11

Rohini, New Delhi |  Pin Code 110085

Email Us at: compliance.chambers@gmail.com

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