Odisha Charts Ambitious Cold Chain Vision 2025 to Boost Agriculture and Farmer Incomes
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to modernise its cold chain infrastructure, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance farmer incomes.
At the Cold Storage Conclave & Buyer–Seller Meet 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced plans to establish cold storage units across 58 subdivisions by FY 2029–30, backed by a Rs 252 crore budget.
The state’s new Cold Storage Policy introduces capital investment subsidies, interest reimbursement, and electricity tariff support to revive defunct units and attract private investment.
Principal Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee emphasised Odisha’s transition to market-led agriculture, noting the state’s rice surplus and significant horticultural output.
Industry leaders highlighted the importance of integrated solutions such as pre-cooling, digital quality tracking, and long-term procurement commitments to draw private capital.
The Buyer–Seller Meet connected farmers, FPOs, SHGs, and entrepreneurs with national buyers, showcasing GI-tagged cashews, honey, spices, mushrooms, and exotic vegetables.
Experts from APEDA, NABARD, and leading technology firms shared insights on strengthening cold chains, reducing food waste, and integrating Odisha’s agri-enterprises with organised domestic and export markets.
The conclave reaffirmed the collective commitment of government and industry to build a resilient, market-linked, and investment-friendly agri-horti ecosystem.
