The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned the construction of a 2,240 MT capacity cold storage unit for the Belagavi Agricultural Produce Market. The project, valued at ₹9.025 crore, falls under the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) 2024-25 scheme, as announced by Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar.
Highlighting the issue of post-harvest losses, Shri Shettar stated that 25-30% of agricultural and horticultural produce in the region has been going to waste due to a lack of adequate cold storage facilities. This forces farmers to sell their produce at reduced prices, leading to significant financial losses.
The upcoming facility aims to address this challenge by enabling farmers to store crops like potatoes, chillies, vegetables, pulses, and fruits for extended periods while preserving their quality, freshness, and nutritional value. The storage unit is expected to significantly enhance farmers’ profitability and improve operational efficiency in the agricultural sector.
Shri Shettar credited the initiative to discussions held during a recent Bankers District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) meeting, where NABARD officials were urged to prioritize the establishment of the cold storage unit.
Describing the project as a “game-changer,” he emphasized its potential to reduce wastage and provide long-term benefits to farmers in Belagavi and surrounding areas. The facility will help farmers store their abundant produce effectively, preventing spoilage and ensuring better returns.
