Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of NTPC, REC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited under the Ministry of Power, has launched a national initiative to deploy solar powered micro cold storage units aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving farm-level infrastructure. The pilot unit, developed with funding support from the Asian Development Bank, was inaugurated in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Following this, similar models are being replicated in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha offering decentralised, off-grid cold storage solutions to India’s small and marginal farmers.
India incurs post-harvest losses estimated at Rs 70 billion annually, excluding potatoes and onions, with nearly half of this loss occurring at the farm gate. In order to tackle this, EESL has designed 5–10 metric tonne micro cold storages powered by solar energy, with 36-hour thermal backup to ensure uninterrupted cooling in areas lacking reliable power access. These units are intended to reduce wastage, prevent distress sales, and support multiple harvest cycles, thereby enhancing rural incomes and promoting food security. EESL will handle installation and maintenance, while the respective state governments will provide financial support to ensure affordability and accessibility for farmers.
The deployment strategy has been shaped with input from the National Centre for Cold-chain Development, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program, original equipment manufacturers, and institutions like the National Institute of Solar Energy. Additionally, the initiative is structured to tackle the various issues faced by the farmers, including remote locations and diverse agricultural outputs.
