Odisha govt earmarks Rs 252 crore for cold storage development over 5 years; Dy CM Singh Deo slams BJD

In a major push to boost agricultural infrastructure, the Odisha government has earmarked Rs 252 crore for construction and restoration of cold storage facilities, over the next five years, across the state. 

The announcement came during the state legislative assembly, where the Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister K V Singh Deo offered responses to questions raised by legislators.

Replying in the House, Minister Singh Deo stated that cold storages will be developed in 58 subdivisions under PPP (public–private partnership) model. 

A total of 13 applications have been submitted via the 'Go Sugam' application, out of which three applications have already been cleared to move forward. Among those selected, one each is from Puri, Jajpur, and Subarnapur district, he said.

Singh Deo further said that a defunct cold storage unit will also be reopened.

Singh Deo Slams BJD's Ranendra Pratap Swain

While addressing the issue, Singh Deo also targeted BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain, pointing out that though he (Swain) had served as Agriculture Minister earlier, he did not get cold storage projects completed then. 

It is incongruous that questions are now being raised just as the BJP government is endeavouring for cold storage construction, Singh Deo said.

The Deputy CM further claimed that the BJP government has already distributed more than 2 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer to Odisha farmers and alleged that some of the protests around fertilizer supply are being artificially manufactured.