Cold Storage Conclave 2025 Charts Roadmap for Strengthening Odisha’s Post-Harvest Infrastructure

Bhubaneswar: The Agricultural Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha (APICOL), in association with ASSOCHAM, successfully hosted the Cold Storage Conclave & Buyer–Seller Meet 2025, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, agri-entrepreneurs, farmer groups, financial institutions and technology providers to accelerate the growth of Odisha’s cold storage and post-harvest infrastructure.

The event was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who formally opened the exhibition, visited stalls showcasing Odisha’s agri-horticultural potential and distributed approval letters to beneficiaries of cold storage projects.

Addressing the gathering, Singh Deo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling ecosystem for investment, innovation and inclusive growth in agriculture and allied sectors. Emphasising sustainability, he announced an ambitious plan to establish cold storage units in 58 sub-divisions by FY 2029–30, with a proposed budget outlay of ₹252 crore. He highlighted key policy interventions, including capital investment subsidy and interest reimbursement, aimed at reviving defunct units and ensuring long-term viability of new projects. Calling for strong collaboration across the value chain, he urged banks, industry associations, technology providers and large buyers to partner closely with farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, underlined Odisha’s transition towards market-led agriculture. He noted that the state has remained rice-surplus for the past 16–17 years, supplying rice to over 12 states, and produced nearly 15 million tonnes of food grains along with an equal volume of horticultural produce in the last agricultural year. Highlighting policy reforms, he said a comprehensive yet concise cold storage policy with attractive incentives has been drafted to strengthen the ecosystem and attract private investment. With over 15 proposals already received, he reiterated that the government would act as a facilitator rather than an operator, inviting private players to lead sectoral growth.

Director of Horticulture, Kalunge Gorakh Waman, IFS, said Odisha’s horticulture sector is entering a pivotal phase through its Cold Storage Policy, aimed at strengthening post-harvest management by building a reliable cold storage and logistics network. He added that the Directorate of Horticulture, in coordination with APICOL, is operationalising support mechanisms such as capital assistance for new units, time-bound completion and electricity tariff subsidy to ensure operational viability.

From the industry perspective, Dr Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha (Mining, Steel and Agri Council) and MD, SNM Group, stressed that as Odisha expands production, the next leap in growth will come from modernising post-harvest logistics and processing. He emphasised integrated cold storage solutions with pre-cooling, digital quality tracking, grading and sorting, and stronger linkages with organised buyers to attract private capital.

In his inaugural address, APICOL Managing Director Shubhranshu Mishra said the state envisions a robust and sustainable cold storage ecosystem, with a focus on reviving defunct units, ensuring sustainability beyond scheme periods and reducing post-harvest losses to enhance farmers’ income.

The conclave also featured panel discussions on scaling supply chains, market access, branding, financing rural enterprises, and developing Odisha’s cold chain and market linkages. The Buyer–Seller Meet emerged as a key highlight, connecting producers, FPOs, SHGs and entrepreneurs with national buyers from retail, export and e-commerce sectors. A parallel exhibition showcased GI-tagged cashews, honey, spices, mushrooms and exotic vegetables, facilitating direct business interactions.

Experts from organisations including APEDA, NABARD, DANFOS and leading technology firms shared insights on strengthening cold chains, reducing food waste and integrating Odisha’s agri-enterprises with domestic and export value chains.