Jammu and Kashmir has 92 cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of 1,51,833 metric tonnes, the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries informed Parliament, highlighting ongoing efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and boost farmers’ incomes.

Replying in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry said cold storage and refrigerated transport are mainly supported through integrated projects under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) and related schemes, rather than as standalone facilities. Being a Himalayan region, J&K is eligible for higher central assistance of up to 50 percent of project costs, compared to 35 percent in general areas.
Nationally, J&K’s 92 cold storages are part of 8,760 facilities with a total capacity of 397.08 lakh metric tonnes. Officials emphasized the importance of targeted interventions in horticulture-heavy regions like Kashmir, where perishable produce such as apples and vegetables require adequate storage.
Support is provided through PMKSY components including Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition, Agro Processing Clusters, and Operation Greens, with grants up to Rs 10–15 crore for integrated projects. The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the National Horticulture Board also offer subsidies and assistance for cold storage, pack houses, and refrigerated transport.
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) provides collateral-free loans up to Rs 2 crore with interest subvention for post-harvest infrastructure, including cold storages. Historical deficits in storage and logistics have caused significant losses—up to 15% in fruits and 11% in vegetables—but government interventions since 2015 have reduced losses across 42 of 45 commodities, saving Rs 20,440 crore annually from 2021.
Beyond storage, PMKSY has approved 1,619 processing projects nationally, creating capacity for 269.61 lakh metric tonnes per year, generating over 4.5 lakh jobs, and benefiting nearly 36 lakh farmers. Additional schemes like PM FME and PLI for Food Processing Industries have further strengthened processing and employment opportunities.