Post-Harvest and Storage Infrastructure Schemes: Reduce Wastage & Increase Profit

Payal Gadhave March 13, 2025

Introduction

Post-harvest losses due to poor storage infrastructure and inadequate processing facilities are a major challenge for Indian farmers. The Government of India has introduced various schemes to help farmers minimize losses, enhance storage capacity, and improve market access. These initiatives aim to reduce wastage, increase profits, and ensure food security by providing subsidies, financial aid, and technical support.

This blog explores key post-harvest and storage infrastructure schemes, their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

The Need for Post-Harvest and Storage Infrastructure

Efficient post-harvest management is essential for:

Reducing Crop Wastage – Prevents losses due to spoilage, pests, and improper handling.
Increasing Farmers’ Income – Allows storage of produce until market prices are favorable.
Enhancing Food Security – Ensures a steady supply of agricultural products.
Promoting Agro-Processing – Adds value to raw agricultural commodities.
Reducing Transportation Costs – Proper storage facilities reduce frequent transportation needs.

Major Government Schemes for Post-Harvest and Storage Infrastructure

1. Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

Objective: To provide financial support for cold storage, warehouses, and processing units.
Key Benefits:
- 3% interest subvention on loans up to Rs. 2 crores.
- Credit guarantee for loans under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
- Support for FPOs, cooperatives, and individual farmers.
Eligibility:
- Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, agri-entrepreneurs.
- Apply through banks, NABARD, or AIF online portal.

2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)

Objective: To boost the food processing sector and reduce wastage through modern infrastructure.
Key Benefits:
- Financial assistance for mega food parks, cold chains, and processing units.
- 50% subsidy on infrastructure costs for general areas (75% for Northeast & hilly regions).
Eligibility:
- Farmers, FPOs, and private investors in the food processing sector.
- Applications via Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) website.

3. Gramin Bhandaran Yojana (Rural Godown Scheme)

Objective: To enhance scientific storage capacity in rural areas.
Key Benefits:
- 25% to 33.33% subsidy for building storage infrastructure.
- Encourages on-farm and cooperative storage solutions.
Eligibility:
- Farmers, FPOs, NGOs, and agri-business firms.
- Applications via NABARD-approved banks.

4. Operation Greens (TOP to TOTAL)

Objective: To stabilize supply chains for perishable crops (tomato, onion, potato, and others).
Key Benefits:
- 50% subsidy on post-harvest activities, such as storage and transportation.
- Support for cold storage, packaging, and marketing infrastructure.
Eligibility:
- Farmers, FPOs, and agribusinesses dealing in perishable commodities.
- Applications through MoFPI online portal.

5. Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) Scheme

Objective: To modernize warehouses and introduce negotiable warehouse receipts (NWRs).
Key Benefits:
- Farmers can store produce in certified warehouses and use NWRs for bank loans.
- Encourages scientific storage and quality control measures.
Eligibility:
- Farmers, warehouse operators, and agri-businesses.
- Registration through WDRA online portal.

How to Apply for Storage Infrastructure Schemes?

Step 1: Identify the Right Scheme

Visit official government portals like NABARD, MoFPI, and AIF.
Choose a scheme that aligns with your storage and processing needs.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Aadhaar Card for identity verification.
Land ownership or lease agreement.
Bank account details for subsidy transfer.
Project proposal (for large-scale storage units).

Step 3: Submit Application

Online: Register on government portals such as PMKSY, AIF, or NABARD.
Offline: Visit the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or agricultural department office.

Step 4: Approval and Implementation

Authorities review applications and conduct inspections.
Subsidy funds or loans are provided upon approval.

Best Practices for Effective Post-Harvest Management

Use Proper Storage Facilities – Invest in cold storage or ventilated godowns.
Adopt Modern Packaging Techniques – Reduces post-harvest losses.
Implement Quality Control Measures – Ensures better marketability.
Utilize Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) – Enables farmers to get credit against stored produce.
Leverage Government Support – Apply for schemes to reduce financial burden.

Conclusion

Government schemes for post-harvest and storage infrastructure are crucial for reducing food wastage, enhancing profitability, and ensuring better market prices for farmers. By taking advantage of these programs, farmers can improve storage facilities, invest in agro-processing, and secure financial stability.

Action Step: Farmers should visit the official websites of NABARD, MoFPI, and WDRA to check eligibility and apply for relevant schemes.