Cold Chain and Irradiation Facility to Begin in Dantewada under PMKSY

Revolutionary Step to Boost Bastar’s Rural Economy through Preservation and Value Addition of Forest Produce and Millets

Raipur : In a major boost to the tribal-dominated rural economy of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, a state-of-the-art Cold Chain and Multi-Product Food Irradiation Facility will be established at a cost of ₹25 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) 2024. The project has received the Central Government’s approval following a proposal supported by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in consultation with Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan.

This first-of-its-kind government-led initiative under PMKSY aims to transform how forest produce and horticultural crops—like tamarind, mahua, organic vegetables, fruits, and millets—are stored, preserved, and marketed in the Bastar region.

Set up in Patararas village, the integrated facility will help tribal families increase their income and reduce post-harvest losses by ensuring better preservation and longer shelf-life for their produce. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked that this infrastructure will serve as a game-changer for tribal livelihoods by ensuring fair pricing, reduced wastage, and improved market access.

The ₹24.98 crore project is being implemented by the District Project Livelihood College Society (DPLCS) Dantewada, a government-registered body committed to livelihood development in tribal regions.

Addressing Post-Harvest Losses

Currently, 7–20% of minor forest produce (MFP) like tamarind, wild mango, millets, and native spices is lost annually due to lack of preservation infrastructure. The new facility integrates cold storage, gamma irradiation, processing, and logistics, significantly improving shelf life and reducing spoilage.

Key Features of the Facility

• 1,500 MT Cold Storage
• 1,000 MT Frozen Storage
• 5 Staging Cold Rooms (30 MT each)
• Blast Freezers and Ripening Chambers
• Gamma Irradiation Unit (Cobalt-60 source, 1000 KCi)
• 3 Refrigerated Transport Vehicles (9 MT capacity each)
• 70 kW Solar Energy System

With an annual processing capacity of over 10,000 MT, the facility will benefit producers across Dantewada, Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma, Kondagaon, and Narayanpur.

Funding Breakdown

• ₹10 crore grant from Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) under PMKSY
• ₹14.98 crore support from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF)

This marks the first time a government entity is setting up such a facility under PMKSY, offering a model for public sector infrastructure in rural India.

Economic and Social Impact

The project is expected to generate ₹8.5 crore in annual revenue, with an estimated Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 29.35%. It will directly increase tribal producers’ income and create local employment throughout the supply chain. By fostering sustainable livelihoods, the project aligns with strategies to reduce Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) through regional development.

Timeline and Market Linkages

Land acquisition is complete, and an MoU has been signed with BRIT (Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology) for the irradiation unit. The facility is scheduled to become operational within 24 months. The administration has already identified markets in Raipur and Visakhapatnam and plans are underway to export Bastar-branded value-added products.

A National Model for Tribal Development

This initiative exemplifies how policy, public infrastructure, and local entrepreneurship can build resilient rural economies. By ensuring value addition remains within the community, the project empowers Bastar’s tribal population and paves the way for a sustainable, inclusive development model.