Ganjam to Have Solar Cold Storage Facility in Each Block

Berhampur: With a view to strengthen the agriculture sector and benefit the farmer community, the Government of Odisha has been providing subsidy through various schemes for seeds, fertilizers, farming implements etc., in addition to the financial assistance under the Balaram Yojana. Along with this, efforts are also being made to strengthen the agricultural infrastructure through irrigation systems, cold storage etc. Ganjam district, through its various initiatives is leading in this field. Keeping in view the need for storage of food grains, vegetables and fruits, the district administration has decided to build cold storages in each block of the district. It has been decided to build environment friendly solar powered cold storages. For this, the Horticulture Department has initiated work in all the blocks.

Initially, the process of land identification, land transfer, tendering process etc., will be undertaken and the construction of cold storages will be done during the next financial year. The BDOs have been informed through Assistant Agriculture Officers to identify the land for the projects. In Ganjam Block, land identification process has started between Malada and Jharedi.

While the capacity of the cold storages will be of 10 tons, the cost will be Rs 25 lakh each. Every cold storage will have its own solar power plant. While 55 percent of the cost will be borne by the National Horticulture Mission, the remaining cost will be borne by the respective Block or Panchayat. A detailed guideline has already been issued by Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment Department in this regard. The Ganjam projects are progressing under the supervision of Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida.