Belagavi: In a major boost for local farmers, NABARD has approved the construction of a 2,240 MT capacity cold storage unit at the Belagavi Agricultural Produce Market. Valued at ₹9.025 crore, this project is part of the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) 2024-25, as announced by Belagavi MP Shri Jagadish Shettar.
Addressing the challenges faced by farmers, Shri Shettar noted that 25-30% of agricultural and horticultural produce is lost due to insufficient cold storage facilities. This often compels farmers to sell perishable goods like vegetables, fruits, and pulses at reduced prices, eroding their profits.
The new cold storage facility aims to mitigate these losses by allowing farmers to store crops such as potatoes, chillies, vegetables, and fruits for longer durations while preserving their freshness, quality, and nutritional value. This is expected to enhance operational efficiency and provide economic benefits to the farming community.
Shri Shettar attributed this initiative to his active involvement during a recent Bankers District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) meeting, where he urged NABARD officials to prioritize the establishment of a cold storage unit for Belagavi.
Describing the project as a “game-changer,” he emphasized that the facility will significantly reduce wastage and increase profitability for farmers in Belagavi and surrounding regions.
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