Major Cold Storage Facility to Begin in Dantewada: A New Era for Tribal Villages

Raipur : In a landmark step toward improving agricultural livelihoods and empowering tribal communities, a major cold storage and preservation facility is set to launch in Patarras village of Dantewada district. For the first time, the Central and Chhattisgarh state governments are collaborating to establish a modern center equipped with cold storage units and radiation technology to preserve agricultural and forest produce. This initiative is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana and is the first-of-its-kind government-led facility in the country. The project is expected to transform the landscape of Bastar, providing better market value for farmers’ produce and minimizing post-harvest losses.

Boosting Tribal Prosperity Through Technology

Dantewada and the wider Bastar region are rich in produce like tamarind, mahua, wild mangoes, indigenous spices, and millets. However, due to a lack of proper storage and marketing channels, 7% to 20% of this produce gets wasted every year. The upcoming facility will address this challenge with state-of-the-art infrastructure including cold storage rooms, freezers, blast chillers, radiation machines, and transportation trucks. The enhanced shelf life of goods will not only reduce wastage but also enable farmers to fetch better prices in both domestic and international markets.

What the Facility Will Offer

Built at an estimated cost of ₹25 crore, the project is managed by the District Project Livelihood College Society, an institution focused on increasing employment in tribal areas. The facility will include:

• A 1500 metric ton cold storage
• A 1000 metric ton frozen storage
• Five smaller cold rooms
• A blast freezer for quick cooling
• A ripening chamber for perishable goods
• Radiation machines for extended shelf life
• Three large trucks for logistics
• A 70-kilowatt solar system for energy efficiency

This facility is expected to safeguard over 10,000 metric tons of produce annually, benefiting not just Dantewada but also the neighboring districts of Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma, Kondagaon, and Narayanpur. The Central Government will contribute ₹10 crore, and the remaining ₹14.98 crore will be sourced from the District Mineral Fund. While similar projects have been handled by private entities in the past, this is the first time the government is directly building such a facility, increasing public trust in tribal regions.

Income, Employment, and Empowerment

The new center is projected to generate annual revenue of around ₹8.5 crore, directly benefiting farmers, forest produce collectors, and local youth through employment opportunities. With new jobs created within the villages, migration for work may decrease, helping stabilize communities in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)–affected areas and promoting lasting peace and prosperity.

Ready to Launch: Market Linkages Secured

Land acquisition for the facility is complete, and a partnership agreement has been signed with BRIT (Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology) for the radiation component. The project is expected to be operational in 24 months, i.e., within two years. Meanwhile, market tie-ups have been established in Raipur and Visakhapatnam, with plans to export Bastar-made products globally. A special branding initiative is also underway to create a unique ‘Bastar’ brand identity that ensures premium pricing and global recognition.

A Vision for Tribal Transformation

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized that this is more than just a project—it’s a foundation for the future of tribal brothers and sisters. “Our forest produce collectors and farmers will now get fair prices, their goods will last longer, and they will be directly connected to large markets,” he said. “This entire system will be run by the people of Bastar, for the people of Bastar.”

This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when government policy, public investment, and local effort come together. It promises to be a model for other tribal regions across India, ensuring not only economic upliftment but also dignity and rightful recognition for indigenous communities. The project truly marks a new chapter in Bastar’s development journey.