To boost Himachal Pradesh’s blue economy and protect local catches from post-harvest spoilage, the state government has launched a 100% state-funded scheme offering a massive 70% subsidy to modernize fish cold-chain infrastructure. The initiative provides financial support across three core assets: a 5-metric-ton cold storage unit (capped at ₹15 lakh unit cost), a freeze-dry unit (₹10 lakh unit cost), and a refrigerated transport van (₹20 lakh unit cost).
The scheme is broadly accessible to local fish farmers, cooperative societies, Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs), self-help groups, active vendors, and unemployed youth. To quality, cold storage applicants must own or hold a minimum 10-year lease on suitable land, while refrigerated van applicants must arrange a qualified commercial driver and register the vehicle with the HP Transport Department before subsidy release. Existing fish vendors will receive top priority for setting up freeze-dry facilities.
To ensure transparency and accountability, funds will be disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) following a three-stage inspection by the Fisheries Department covering site prep, machine setup, and trial runs. Beneficiaries must commit to keeping the facilities operational for at least seven years without unauthorized sales or modifications, backed by quarterly tracking and spot inspections. Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that the scheme will build essential cold-chain logistics, eliminate wastage, and help local producers secure higher prices while generating new entrepreneurial opportunities for rural youth.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
