State’s 1st solar-powered cold storage unit in Kullu to curb post-harvest losses

In a major step towards strengthening agricultural infrastructure and reducing post-harvest losses, Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday inaugurated Himachal Pradesh’s first Solar Powered Micro Cold Storage (SPMCS) unit at the Progeny-cum-Demonstration Orchard (PCDO) in Bajaura, Kullu.

The pilot project, developed by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has been funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Lauding the initiative, Minister Negi announced plans for a statewide rollout of 10 MT SPMCS units in collaboration with EESL. While EESL will oversee installation and maintenance, the state government will offer subsidies to ensure the units remain accessible and affordable for farmers across Himachal.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering farmers through sustainable, cutting-edge solutions. These micro cold storages will reduce crop wastage, prevent distress selling, and enhance rural incomes,” the minister said. “Himachal Pradesh is proud to lead in adopting clean and inclusive technologies at the grassroots.”

EESL CEO Vishal Kapoor emphasised the urgent need for such innovations, citing post-harvest losses worth Rs 7,000 crore annually—excluding staples like potatoes and onions. “Nearly 50 per cent of these losses occur right at the farm gate,” he said.

To combat this, EESL has developed standardised 5-10 MT solar-powered micro cold storage units designed for off-grid, farm-level deployment. Powered by clean solar energy and equipped with 36-hour thermal backup, the units ensure consistent cooling even during outages, supporting both grid and solar power.

“Our Solar Powered Micro Cold Storages are more than just infrastructure—they are lifelines for rural resilience and economic growth,” Kapoor said. He reaffirmed EESL’s dedication to decentralised, farmer-first innovation and announced plans to replicate this model in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

Himachal Tribune