Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 17 (ANI): In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing tribal incomes and reducing post-harvest losses, the administration in Dantewada is setting up an Integrated Cold Chain and Multi-Product Food Irradiation Facility in Patarras village. The government-led facility, the first of its kind under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) 2024, is poised to revolutionize the storage, processing, and marketing of forest and horticultural produce in the Bastar region.
With an investment of approximately Rs 24.98 crore, the project is being executed by the District Project Livelihood College Society (DPLCS), a government-registered body dedicated to livelihood generation in tribal regions.
The facility aims to tackle the significant 7-20% annual loss of produce in the region caused by inadequate storage and preservation infrastructure. Dantewada and its neighboring districts are rich in Minor Forest Produce (MFP) such as tamarind, mahua, indigenous mango varieties, millets, and spices. The new infrastructure will include cold storage, gamma irradiation, processing, and logistics systems to extend shelf life, minimize spoilage, and boost the marketability of local products.
Key components of the facility include 1,500 metric tons of coal storage, 1,000 metric tons of cold storage, five staging cold rooms (30 MT each), blast freezer and ripening chambers, a Gamma Irradiation Unit (1,000 KCI with a Cobalt-60 source), three refrigerated transport vehicles (9 MT each), and a 70 KW solar power system. It will have an annual processing capacity of over 10,000 metric tons and will benefit producers across Dantewada, Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma, Kondagaon, and Narayanpur.
The funding includes a Rs 10 crore grant under PMKSY by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and Rs 14.98 crore from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). This project marks the first time a government agency is establishing such a facility under PMKSY, setting a precedent for public-sector-led infrastructure in rural India.
The facility is projected to generate Rs 8.5 crore in annual revenue through rental operations and value-added services, with a projected Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 29.35%. It will directly enhance tribal incomes, reduce wastage, and create employment opportunities throughout the value chain.
This initiative also supports the regional strategy to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by promoting sustainable livelihoods. Land acquisition for the project is complete, and a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) for irradiation technology. The facility is expected to be operational within 24 months.
Market linkages have already been identified in Raipur and Visakhapatnam, and export opportunities are being explored. Plans are also underway to develop value-added Bastar-branded products for broader market appeal.
This facility is seen as a transformative step in rural development. By keeping value addition within the region, it ensures that a greater share of income remains with Bastar’s tribal communities. It represents more than just infrastructure—it is a game-changer for tribal livelihoods, helping forest produce collectors and farmers secure better prices, reduce losses, and gain access to larger markets. (ANI)
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