In order to cut the loss of fruits, vegetables and flowers during stoage, the cabinet Thursday approved the setting up of a National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD).
India is the second largest producer of horticulture commodities in the world.
It produced 71.5 million tonnes (MT) of fruits, 133.7 MT of vegetables and 17.8 MT of other commodities like flowers, spices, coconut, cashew, mushroom and honey.
A significant percentage of the produce, particularly fruits, vegetables and flowers, is wasted due to lack of cold chain facilities.
In order to address this issue, a Task Force on Cold Chain Development constituted by the government in 2008 had recommended formation of a dedicated institution for promoting cold chain development.
The central government will be registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 with its Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, said an official statement.
All stakeholders will have membership in the society in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.