Container Corporation of India (CCIL) has mooted a plan to set up cool chains for providing handling, transport, storage, and other facilities for fruit and vegetable farmers in Himachal Pradesh. |
In partnership with state-run Himachal Produce Marketing Corporation (HPMC), the plan aims at bettering the transportation and marketing of perishable items, besides reviving the fund-starved HPMC. |
"CCIL is a multi-model transport agency with extensive experience in handling perishable cargo, besides fruits and vegetables," an official spokesman said today. |
"CCIL would help growers reach far-flung markets and avail of storage facilities of international standards, where their produce can be kept for one year," the spokesman said. |
"The project will provide collection centres, pre-cooling facilities, refrigerated transport, and storage and distribution centres throughout the state," he said. CCIL has done a survey in the Shimla, Kinnaur, and Sirmaur districts of the hill state to plan the movement of apple and peach in refrigerated containers. |
"The refrigerated transport would help farmers sell their produce in farm-fresh conditions and will be boon for highly perishable products like peaches, cherries, and pears," the spokesman said. |
The official said CCIL planned to make substantial investments in Himachal Pradesh. |