Bhubaneswar, Dec 13: The Odisha government plans to establish at least 58 cold storage units with an investment of ₹252 crore by 2029–30, Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo said on Saturday.

The initiative aims to build a robust cold chain infrastructure and strengthen market linkages for farmers across the state.

Singh Deo was addressing the Cold Storage Conclave and Buyer-Seller Meet organised by the Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd (APICOL) in association with ASSOCHAM.

“The state has set an ambitious target to set up cold storage facilities in 58 sub-divisions by FY 2030, with a proposed budget of ₹252 crore,” said Singh Deo, who also holds portfolio of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department.

He highlighted key policy measures, including capital investment subsidies and interest reimbursement schemes, to revive defunct cold storage units and ensure the long-term viability of new projects. Emphasising the need for collaboration, he said coordinated efforts across the value chain are crucial to fully realise the sector’s potential.

“This important platform brought together stakeholders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to deliberate on enhancing cold chain infrastructure and creating stronger market linkages for our farmers. Such initiatives are vital in empowering cultivators, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring better returns for their hard work,” said Singh Deo. 

Principal Secretary of the department, Arabinda Padhee, said Odisha is steadily transitioning towards market-led agriculture.

He noted that the state has remained rice-surplus for the past 16–17 years, supplying rice to more than 12 states. In the last agricultural year, Odisha produced nearly 15 million tonnes of food grains along with a similar quantity of horticultural produce.

Padhee also said the state government has drafted a comprehensive cold storage policy offering attractive incentives to strengthen the ecosystem and attract private investment.