Cold storages across state ready for operation in May
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 28 2025: Cold storage facilities constructed in various districts under multiple schemes initiated by the Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation will become operational from May this year.

Ahead of the simultaneous launch of the projects, a hands-on training programme on cold storage management was conducted on Monday at the conference hall of the Department, near Sanjenthong.

The function was attended by Horticulture & Soil Conservation commissioner cum secretary Thaithuilung Pamei, director K Devdutta Sharma, joint director Yeite Khupsorei Koireng and CAU College of Food Technology dean professor Ng Iboyaima as dignitaries on the dais.

Cold storages across state ready for operation in May

Delivering the keynote address, director Devdutta highlighted the urgent need for cold storage infrastructure in the state along with conceding that huge quantities of agricultural produce go waste annually due to the lack of proper storage facilities.

Of the 4,80,696 metric tonnes of fruits produced each year, an estimated 1.5 lakh metric tonnes are lost to spoilage.

Similarly, out of 3,15,764 metric tonnes of vegetables produced annually, approximately 88,000 metric tonnes are damaged, he pointed out.

He continued that in the case of spices, including turmeric and chilies, from a total yield of 1,72,454 metric tonnes each year, nearly 84,000 metric tonnes go to waste.

K Devdutta expressed confidence that preventing such post-harvest loss through proper storage solutions would not only enhance the income of local farmers but also contribute to the state's self-sufficiency in food production.

The construction of cold storage units under various departmental schemes is a strategic step toward achieving this goal, he stated, while informing that a total of 12 cold storage units have been constructed across the state.

Of these, six have been developed under the centrally sponsored "Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture" (MIDH), maintained the director.

Additionally, under the SASSY scheme "Cold Chain Infrastructure," cold storages have been constructed at Toubungkhok and Yaralpat.

Four more units, located in Langathel, PN Vaishon, Khoijuman and Kangmon, have been established under a state-sponsored scheme.

According to the director, all 12 cold storage units are now in a state of readiness and will soon be made operational.

"As such, a hands-on training programme has been conducted for the personnel who will be managing these facilities, providing them with essential technical knowledge for effective operation," he said while adding that once the training is complete, the cold storages could be made fully functional by May.

These facilities are expected to play a key role in preserving fruits, vegetables and spices produced across the state, making them available to the public year-round and significantly reducing post-harvest losses.

Speaking as the chief guest, Thaithuilung Pamei underscored the significance of the training programme, noting that it would play a vital role in the advancement of agriculture and horticulture in the state.

While Stating that proper management of cold storage facilities will not only enhance the livelihoods of farmers but will also boost the overall income and revenue of the state, he appealed to all stakeholders to ensure the success of the cold storages, which have been constructed at a cumulative cost of over Rs 10 crore.