Parliament Question: Funds for Cold Chain Infrastructure

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1854 ANSWERED ON 30TH JULY, 2026 FUNDS FOR COLD CHAIN INFRASTRUCTURE 1854. SHRI S VENKATESAN: Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state: (a) the details of funds allocated and utilized for strengthening cold chain infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses; and (b) the details of new initiatives introduced to enhance the income of small and marginal farmers through food processing value chains? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI CHIRAG PASWAN) (a): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure scheme (Cold Chain scheme) since 2008. As on 30.06.2026, under Cold Chain scheme, 409 cold chain projects have been approved nationwide with total grants-in-aid of ₹3089.08 crore, of which, ₹2540.89 crore has already been released for implementing them, thereby assisting in minimising post-harvest losses of crops. (b): MoFPI provides financial assistance for setting up of food processing projects by implementing three schemes namely (i) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), (ii) PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme and (iii) Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) for strengthening food processing value chains. These initiatives focus on reducing post-harvest losses, increasing value addition, improving market access, and creating better price realization for farmers. *****