2 solar-powered cold storage, the first of the kind initiative in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This was possible because of the collaboration between a German Agency, GIZ and the Chuwara Valley Apple Society.
Alongside these Solar-Powered Cold Storage, 3 hydropower water lifting pumps have been installed for irrigation. This will provide renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient technologies for the apple value chain.
The storage has a capacity of 20MT and 10MT respectively. One store has already been commissioned. It is linked with a smart application to track moisture levels and temperatures.
German agency has been running a ‘Green Innovation Centre’ project since 2016-17. The project has been funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
According to Kushal Singh Mehta, Horticulture HDO, by providing training in farm practices and arranging exposure trips to New Zealand for selected farmers, the productivity and profits will be enhanced in Rohru and other apple growing areas.
Sustainable and affordable cold stores are important for growers to get a good return on Investments seeing how the market crashed in the month of August.
Reference: Tribune India