A modern cold storage facility established by Meenakshidevi Hi-Tech Agro Industry Pvt. Ltd. in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu received financial assistance from the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The facility has enabled optimum utilization of resources, improved quality and extended shelf life of agricultural produce, and generated employment opportunities in rural areas.
Agriculture is a vital part of India's rural economy but often suffers from inadequate post-harvest infrastructure that results in substantial losses for farmers. To address this issue, modern cold storage facilities are crucial for preserving agricultural produce, improving its quality, and extending its shelf life. One such facility has been established by Meenakshidevi Hi-Tech Agro Industry Pvt. Ltd. in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu with financial assistance from the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The financial support enabled the company to establish a 5,000 MTPA cold storage unit consisting of five chambers of 1,000 MT each. This significant enhancement in post-harvest storage capacity has empowered farmers to secure remunerative prices for their produce, thereby contributing to inclusive rural development and generating employment opportunities. The project has also ensured optimum utilization of resources while maintaining better quality and longer shelf life of agricultural produce. By providing reliable storage infrastructure, the enterprise has prevented farmers from resorting to distress sales. Reflecting on the journey, "The support received under the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has helped us establish a modern cold storage facility that benefits farmers and rural communities. The project has improved the living standards of the promoter as well as the workers, particularly those belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, while contributing to sustainable agricultural development.", demonstrates how targeted financial assistance under the VCF-SC is enabling Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs to establish sustainable enterprises that strengthen agricultural infrastructure, generate rural employment, and improve farmers' incomes.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
