Odisha government will set up solar powered cold storage for farmers in all panchayats across the state to keep their freshly harvested fruit and vegetables cool. It has been decided to set up solar cold storage in 1000 panchayats in the first phase under the 5-T programme. Around Rs 15 lakh will be invested per one solar cold room as per the preliminary estimation with 1 mt pre cooler capacity.
The solar cold stores will boost farmers’ seasonal income and control distressed agricultural produce sales. The farmers can keep their harvested vegetables for a long time in the cold store till they feel confident to sell them at right price to traders, said a senior official agriculture department.
Besides, more farmers would be encouraged to take up vegetable farming, the official added. The land identification process is going on for setting up the cold storages and has been completed in several districts. In the first phase the cold stores will be set up in the districts producing more vegetables and fruits.
