28 cold storage projects approved for Kashmir, 5 operational in Baramulla: Centre

Waris Fayaz

Srinagar, Aug 4: The Central Government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that 28 cold storage and cold chain projects have been approved across Kashmir under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), while five Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units are already operational in North Kashmir’s Baramulla District.

In a written reply to a question by Member of Parliament from Baramulla Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur said the government is also extending support under the Union Territory CAPEX Budget for the establishment of additional Controlled Atmosphere storage infrastructure in North Kashmir.

The Minister said the approved projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund are aimed at improving cold chain facilities for horticultural produce across Kashmir.

He said that APEDA has extended financial assistance to a registered exporter for setting up an integrated packhouse in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate processing and value addition of horticulture produce.

He further informed the House that the National Horticulture Board sanctioned a subsidy of Rs 422.82 lakh for a Controlled Atmosphere storage project with a capacity of 5,832 metric tonnes in Baramulla during 2023 to 24.

The project is expected to enhance scientific storage capacity and improve market access for fruit growers in the district.

5 CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE UNITS ESTABLISHED IN BARAMULLA

According to details placed before Parliament, five Controlled Atmosphere storage units have already been established in Baramulla under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). These include M/s Kachroo with a capacity of 3,500 metric tonnes, M/s Alpine Fresh Art, Baramulla with 3,000 metric tonnes, M/s H.N. Agrichain Pvt. Ltd., Baramulla with 5,000 metric tonnes, M/s North Fresh Agro Cold Chain Pvt. Ltd. with 5,000 metric tonnes, and M/s Nundreshi with 2,000 metric tonnes. Together, these facilities provide a storage capacity of 18,500 metric tonnes.

The government said the expansion of cold storage and cold chain infrastructure is part of its broader strategy to strengthen the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir by improving storage, preserving fruit quality, reducing post harvest losses and ensuring better returns for growers.

244.646 HECTARES BROUGHT UNDER HIGH DENSITY PLANTATION PROGRAMME IN BARAMULLA

The government further informed the House that 244.646 hectares have been brought under the High Density Plantation Programme in the Baramulla constituency between 2016 and 2026, benefiting 599 growers. During 2025 to 26 alone, 58.036 hectares were covered, with 277 beneficiaries receiving assistance—(KNO)