Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister cum Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo stressed on establishing climate-friendly and solar powered cold storages in Odisha in a meeting held at Krushi Bhavan on Monday.
Opening of cold storages for preservation of fruits, vegetables, milk and milk-based products in all districts and sub-divisions of the State was discussed at the meeting chaired by Singh Deo.
The Dy CM updated himself on the various aspects including cost of establishment of cold storages suitable for Odisha’s climate and weather conditions from service providers and domain experts. He stressed on establishment of climate-friendly cold storages keeping with climate change. Establishment of solar powered cold storages was discussed at meeting keeping in line with Prime Minister’s emphasis on use of renewable and solar energy for sustainable development.
Singhdeo proposed that the entrepreneurs should take this opportunity to set up cold storages as the government is providing up to 70% subsidy.
Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee and Commissioner cum Secretary of Cooperation Department Rajesh Prabhakar Patil attended the meeting.
The Minister advised the officers of Cooperation, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment and Energy departments to visit the cold storage facilities already established and functioning successfully. Based on the information obtained after the visits and establishment of cold storages based on demand will help in augmenting farmers income and check spiraling prices, stated Principal Secretary Dr Padhee.
Representatives of various cold storage service providers participated in the meeting and shared with the Deputy Chief Minister about the services provided by their respective organizations.
