The state government has approached the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission to seek its approval to supply power at a cheaper rate than industry standards to food parks and cold chains.
In yet another move to ensure ease of doing business, Maharashtra government will be providing low-cost power supply to cold chains and promote operating them on solar power.
The state government has approached the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission to seek its approval to supply power at a cheaper rate than industry standards to food parks and cold chains.
Currently, the tariff charged by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MahaVitaran) to industry consumers ranges between Rs 7 per unit and Rs 9 per unit. Government hopes that solar power will be available below Rs 3 per unit.
Furthermore, the state government has launched a special scheme to connect agriculture feeders by solar power and have floated a tender for the supply of 500 MW. The bids received so far for the supply of solar power are at Rs 2.75 per unit and Rs 3.10 per unit.
As of now there are 52 cold chains, of which 28 are complete and the other 24 are under various stages of completion. These cold chains entail a total investment of Rs 1,420 crore. In addition to this, the Centre had recently cleared 101 cold chains across the country, of which 21 are in Maharashtra.
A state agriculture department official told DNA, "Maharashtra will benefit the most from Centre's recently-announced Krishi Sampada Yojana that focuses on agri-cluster development. The development of food parks and cold chains will end middlemen mechanism, ensuring farmers the best prices for their yield.''
According to the official, the establishment of food parks and cold chains will also help increase the quality and durability of fruits after processing. The product will then be promoted and marketed.
Cold Chains
- There are 52 cold chains, of which 28 are complete. These cold chains entail a total investment of Rs 1,420 crore.
- Additionally, the Centre recently cleared 101 cold chains across the country, of which 21 are in Maharashtra.
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