Scheme for Cold chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure
This scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India. It is a component under the umbrella scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) and was originally launched to provide “cold-chain, value-addition and preservation infrastructure” across the supply-chain for perishables (farm-gate to consumer) so as to reduce post-harvest losses, enable market linkages, and add value for farmers and processors. The scheme is demand-driven, and invites proposals from various eligible entities. Your business can benefit by setting up or upgrading infrastructure (cold-storage, pre-cooling, transport, value-addition centre) and receiving grant assistance, thereby reducing cost of investment and improving market reach.
Key Features
- Integrated, end-to-end infrastructure from farm gate to consumer: The scheme covers a seamless chain from pre-cooling, sorting/grading at farm level, multi-temperature cold-storage, packaging, value addition lines, refrigerated transport, distribution hubs to ensure minimal break-in-cold-chain and preservation infrastructure.
- Large variety of eligible facilities: Facilities eligible under the scheme include farmlevel infrastructure (pre-cooling, waxing, grading multi-product/multi-temperature cold storages, CA/MA storage, blast freezing/IQF lines, packing facilities, refrigerated vans/trucks/tankers, mobile cooling units, distribution hubs, and even irradiation units (under specified component) for perishables.
- Grant-in-aid / subsidy provided as percentage of eligible project cost (differentiated): The scheme provides financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid. For projects in “General Areas,” grant is 35% of eligible project cost, while for “Difficult Areas” (e.g., hilly, North East, remote) and for SC/ST, FPO, SHG applicants, grant goes up to 50% of eligible cost. Subject to maximum ceiling per project (e.g., up to ₹10 crore).
- Demand-driven proposal submission, project appraisal and selection process via EOI: The scheme works on “Expression of Interest (EOI)” basis. MoFPI issues calls for proposals, entities apply, proposals are appraised (technical and financial criteria) and selected. Approved projects receive sanction letters.
- Maximum ceiling per project and minimum eligibility criteria: There is an upper limit of subsidy (e.g., maximum ₹10 crore per project in many cases). Applicants must satisfy criteria such as net-worth (in general area net-worth ≥ 1.5 × grant sought) and term-loan sanction/financial institution involvement.
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
- Individuals or entities (Proprietorship firms, Partnership firms, Private Limited Companies, LLPs) with business interest in cold chain solutions and supply-chain operations.
- Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Cooperatives, NGOs, Central/State PSUs, etc. are also eligible.
- The project must be set up under the scheme guidelines: prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), identify eligible components, secure term-loan/finance if required, and meet net-worth requirement (if applicable) as per guidelines.
Who cannot apply:
- Entities that do not propose infrastructure eligible under the scheme components (for example those outside defined sectors or without linkages to farm-gate to consumer chain).
- Projects that commence without obtaining scheme approval may be ineligible or the subsidy may be withheld. (As per standard Government scheme norms)
- Applicants who cannot meet financial viability, net-worth or other eligibility criteria as specified (e.g., net-worth at least 1.5 × grant-in-aid for general area).
Documents Required
- Application form as prescribed under scheme guidelines.
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) with components, cost estimates, business plan, supply chain linkage.
- Term-loan sanction letter (if applicable), any finance documentation.
- Quotations/BOQ for machinery/plant & equipment, land/lease documents, building approval (if any).
- Audited accounts / financial statements / net-worth certificate of applicant (last 2 years) if applicable.
- Plan for backward/forward linkages (farm-gate to consumer), marketing plan.
- Other statutory approvals/clearances as required (environmental, local municipality etc.).
- Bank account details for grant disbursement.
Application Process for the Scheme
Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)
Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.
Recommended for: Entrepreneurs, FPOs, MSMEs seeking cold-chain value-addition support.
Option 2: Government Process via MoFPI / SAMPADA Portal
- Visit the MoFPI/PMKSY portal and download the latest operational guidelines (e.g., revision dated 22.05.2025) for the Cold Chain scheme.
- Prepare application: project cost, eligible components, DPR, financing, back-up supply chain, viability analysis.
- Submit online application through the SAMPADA portal (sampada-mofpi.gov.in) when EoI/invitation for proposals is announced.
- Upon approval, grant‐in‐aid is released in instalments as per scheme norms; project implementation is monitored.
- After completion, submit utilisation certificate, certification, progress report and other required documents for final disbursement.
Option 3: Via State/UT Nodal Agency or Implementing Agency
In some cases, state nodal agencies coordinate the scheme and provide facilitation; applicants can engage these local bodies for assistance.