Shimla: In an initiative to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the fisheries sector, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced a state-sponsored scheme to promote modern post-harvest infrastructure and cold-chain facilities across the state.
Under the 100 per cent state-sponsored scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive a 70 per cent subsidy for setting up 5-metric-tonne (MT) cold storages, freeze-dry units and refrigerated vans. The initiative aims to improve the quality and shelf life of fish and fish products while ensuring better returns for fish farmers, fishermen and other stakeholders.
The approved unit cost has been fixed at Rs. 15 lakh for a 5 MT cold storage, Rs. 10 lakh for a freeze-dry unit and Rs. 20 lakh for a refrigerated van.
The scheme will cover a wide range of beneficiaries, including Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs), fish cooperative societies, entrepreneurs, unemployed youth, self-help groups, individual fishermen, fish vendors and fish farmers.
For establishing cold storage facilities, applicants must possess suitable land or space either through ownership or a long-term lease of at least 10 years. Preference for setting up freeze-dry units will be given to existing fish vendors. Those seeking assistance for refrigerated vans will be required to possess or arrange a qualified commercial driver.
The Fisheries Department will be responsible for implementing the scheme and monitoring the infrastructure created under it. Cold storages and freeze-dry units will be inspected at various stages, including site preparation, machinery installation and trial operation. Refrigerated vans will have to be registered with the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department before the final subsidy installment is released.
The subsidy will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after successful completion and verification of the assets.
To ensure effective utilisation of government funds, beneficiaries will be required to keep the subsidised facilities operational for a minimum period of seven years. The assets created under the scheme cannot be sold, leased, transferred or modified without prior approval from the Fisheries Department.
The department will also undertake quarterly functionality reporting and random inspections to ensure that the infrastructure remains operational and is being used for the intended purpose.
Priority will be given to new beneficiaries, particularly unemployed youth, fishermen’s cooperative societies and FPOs, to promote entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities and strengthen the fisheries-based economy of the state.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the initiative reflected the state government’s commitment to modernising the fisheries sector and enhancing the income of fish farmers and fishermen. He said that adequate cold-chain and post-harvest infrastructure would help minimise wastage, promote value addition and enable producers to secure better prices for their produce.
The Chief Minister further emphasised that special focus would be placed on unemployed youth, cooperative societies, FPOs and fish farmers to encourage entrepreneurship and generate employment in the fisheries sector. He directed the concerned department to ensure transparent and timely implementation of the scheme so that its benefits reach deserving beneficiaries and contribute to strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s blue economy.
