(a) whether the Government intends to allow Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) in the cold storage segment;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to develop the National
Centre for Cold Chain Development in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) & (b): 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed under automatic route in
storage and warehousing including warehousing of agriculture products with refrigeration
(cold storage).
(c): The National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) has been established as
an autonomous body and registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
The main objectives of the Society are:
i. To recommend standards and protocols for cold chain infrastructure/building
including post-harvest management so as to harmonize with international standards and best
practices and suggest mechanism for bench marking and certification of infrastructure/
building, process and services provided by cold chain industry.
ii. To undertake and coordinate Research and Development (R&D) work required for
development of cold chain industry in consultation with stakeholders.
iii. To undertake and coordinate the task of Human Resource Development (HRD) and
capacity building, conduct in-house training, short-term/long courses relevant for cold
chain development.
iv. To launch publicity campaign to educate the stakeholders including awareness
building about the benefits of integrated cold chain.
v. To recommend appropriate policy framework relating to development of cold chain.
vi. To facilitate and foster the development of multi-modal transportation facilities for
perishable agricultural, horticultural and allied commodities.