The minister for Agriculture Sharad Pawar today said the government has set a target of 15 million metric tonne of additional cold storage capacity during the 12th five year plan.

Speaking at a function in New Delhi, Mr. Pawar the National Centre for Cold Chain development (NCCD) will go a long way in addressing the issues relating to the gaps in cold chain infrastructure in the country. He said the central government would be infusing 25 crore rupees funds into it.

Mr. Pawar said the NCCD will strive to develop standards and protocols related to cold chain besides organising training programmes for the stake holders of the cold chain industry.

The minister also complimented farmers and all those associated with the development of horticulture in the country in achieving an all time record production of over 240 million metric tonne of horticulture produce. Mr. Pawar said the increased production has helped the country to earn foreign exchange to the tune of 14,000 crore rupees.