Cold Storage New Scheme in Bihar
Cold storage (Sheer Greh) is very important for the farmers of Bihar to prevent crop losses. There are 12 districts in Bihar where the facility of cold storage is inadequate. Therefore, the Bihar government has introduced a scheme to construct cold storage in these districts. The scheme will provide 50% funding for the construction of cold storage, which is approved for three years.
Funding for New Cold Storage
Under this scheme, Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey announced that 50% funding will be provided for the construction of new cold storage Type 1 and Type 2. The funding amount can go up to a maximum of Rs. 17.50 lakh. The lack of cold storage in certain districts like Madhubani, Nawada, Arwal, etc., is causing financial losses to farmers, making it a priority for the government to increase farmers’ income.
Resolution of Issues for Farmers
Agriculture Minister has directed agricultural scientists to make good quality potato seeds available to farmers to prevent losses in potato crops. A nodal officer will be appointed in the Agriculture Department to address the issues faced by cold storage owners. The operation of 50 cold storage units in the state will be done using solar energy to improve storage capacity.
Utilizing Solar Energy for Cold Storage
Bihar ranks third in potato production and fourth in fruit and vegetable production in the country. To preserve these products, the need for a cold storage chain is essential. Currently, only 202 cold storage units are active in the state. Plans are in place to increase the storage capacity of new cold storage units and operate 50 cold storage units in the state using solar energy.
बिहार के किसानों के लिए कोल्ड स्टोरेज की बहुत जरूरत है ताकि उनकी फसलों को नुकसान से बचाया जा सके। बिहार सरकार ने 12 जिलों में कोल्ड स्टोरेज निर्माण हेतु योजना बनाई है, जिसमें 50 प्रतिशत अनुदान दिया जाएगा। कृषि मंत्री ने आलू के अच्छे बीज उपलब्ध कराने की भी दिशा में निर्देश दिया है। यहाँ तक कि कोल्ड स्टोरेज के मालिकों की समस्याओं का निवारण के लिए एक नोडल पदाधिकारी भी बनाया जाएगा। इसके लिए 50 शीत गृहों का संचालन सौर ऊर्जा से करने की भी योजना बनाई गई है।
