Cold storage units ready for take off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 28 2025: The two-day hands on training programme for members of district monitoring and supervision committee on "Operation and Management of Cold Chain/Cold Storage Unit" established under the CSS-SASCI (Centrally Sponsored Scheme-Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) and Cold Storage (State Plan) was kicked off today at the conference hall of the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation at Sanjenthong.

Addressing the gathering, K Debadutta Sharma, Director, H&SC said that the Department has set up 12 cold storage units in the State, out of which six were constructed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

Under SASCI, cold storage units of 200MT capacity have been established at Taobungkhok in Imphal West district and at Yaralpat in Imphal East district.

Additionally, under the State Plan Scheme, similar units have been constructed at Langathel in Thoubal, TN Vaison in Churachandpur, Khoijuman in Bishnupur and Kangmong in Imphal West district, he maintained.

The units are at the stage of being operational.

The Department is also planning to build five 75MT cold storage units in different parts of the State including Jiribam.

The Director of H&SC said that the annual production of fruits, vegetables and spices in Manipur are 4,80,696 MT, 3,16,764 MT and 1,72,454 MT respectively.

Out of this 1,92,278 MT of fruits, 88,694 MT of vegetables and 34,491 MT of spices are lost during the post-harvest period due to improper management and lack of processing facilities.

If this loss can be prevented, it will be a benefit to both the farmers and the economy of the State, he said.

To prevent such post-harvest losses, the Government invested in cold storage facilities to store the goods, either products or produce, he added.

Stating that cold storage units are akin to an enormous refrigerator, he said that the training programme will impart vital information on how to operate these units, including how to maintain the temperature, humidity, atmosphere, packaging and other conditions.

Meanwhile, Thaithuilung Pamei, Commissioner cum Secretary, H&SC said that setting up a cold storage unit costs around Rs 10 crore and highlighted its importance in the development of food technology.

Despite being a small State, if the cold storage units and cold chain systems in Manipur are properly utilized, it will help prevent post-harvest losses and add to farmers' income, said the H&SC Commissioner.

Notable dignitaries present at the event include Yeite Khupsorel Koireng, Joint Director (Headquarters), H&SC and Ng Iboyaima, Dean, College of Food Technology, CAU Imphal.

Trainees from Churanchapur joined the programme via virtual mode.

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