Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing the umbrella scheme since 2016-17 (refer to the infographic)

About Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
- Objective
- Build a seamless cold chain and value addition infrastructure from farm to consumer.
- Rreduce post-harvest losses of non-horticulture produce, dairy, meat, poultry, and marine/ fish (except shrimp).
- Link farmers with processors and markets, ensuring fair prices for farmers and year-round food availability for consumers
- Key Components
- Farm Level Infrastructure (FLI)
- Processing Centre (Mandatory)
- Distribution Hub
- Transport (Refrigerated vans / refrigerated trucks / insulated vans / mobile insulated tankers).
- Eligible Entities: Individuals, PSUs (Central/State), NGOs, Cooperatives, SHGs, FPOs, LLPs, etc.
- Grants-in-aid/Subsidy:
- 35% of the eligible project cost for projects in the General Areas
- 50% of the eligible project cost for projects in Difficult Areas, and for projects of SC/ST, FPOs and SHGs, subject to a maximum of Rs. 10 crore per project.
Conclusion
The UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report 2024 shows that in 2022, 20% of all food was wasted globally. India ranked second in food waste after China, with 10%-12% of its municipal waste being food waste, contributing to methane emissions. The Scheme offers a promising solution to these alarming issues.