Major Cold Storage Facility to Begin Operations in Dantewada
Raipur, June 17
A major initiative is being launched in Dantewada district to preserve agricultural and forest produce for longer durations and ensure farmers receive fair value for their hard work. For the first time, an advanced facility is being built in Patarras village with support from the Central and Chhattisgarh governments. This center will utilize technologies like radiation treatment to prevent spoilage of cold-stored food grains and forest produce. The project falls under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana and will be the first of its kind government-run facility in the country. It is expected to transform the landscape of Bastar.
No More Spoiled Produce, Income to Rise
Bastar is rich in produce like tamarind, mahua, wild mangoes, native spices, and millets like bajra. However, due to the lack of proper storage and market linkages, 7% to 20% of this produce is lost annually. The upcoming facility will include cold storage, freezers, radiation machines, and large transport trucks. This infrastructure will significantly extend shelf life, reduce wastage, and help farmers earn better prices.
What the Facility Will Offer
The project, costing around ₹25 crore, is being implemented by the District Project Livelihood College Society, a body aimed at increasing employment in tribal areas. The infrastructure being developed in Patarras village includes:
A 1500 metric ton capacity cold storage
1000 metric ton frozen storage
Five mini cold rooms
A blast freezer for quick cooling of fruits
Separate chambers for ripening produce
Radiation machines to prevent spoilage
Three large trucks for transport
A 70 kW solar system to save power
This facility will help preserve over 10,000 metric tons of produce annually. Farmers and forest produce collectors in Dantewada, as well as nearby districts like Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma, Kondagaon, and Narayanpur, will benefit. Funding includes ₹10 crore from the central government and ₹14.98 crore from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). Until now, such facilities were largely developed by private companies, but this marks the first time the government is building such infrastructure itself, strengthening trust in public schemes in tribal areas.
Boost in Employment and Income
This facility is expected to generate annual revenue of around ₹8.5 crore. It will directly benefit farmers, forest collectors, and local youth, as skilled and unskilled workers will be needed. This will create employment opportunities in rural areas, allowing many to earn a living within their own villages. The initiative will also aid in creating sustainable livelihoods and promoting peace in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions.
Work to Begin Soon, Markets Already Ready
Land for the project has already been secured, and an agreement has been signed with BRIT (Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology) for radiation technology. The project is expected to be fully operational within 24 months (2 years). Meanwhile, markets have been established in major cities like Raipur and Visakhapatnam, and there are plans to export Bastar-made products globally. A unique “Bastar” brand is also being developed to give the region’s products distinct identity and better value.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, “This is not just a project—it’s the foundation of a better future for our tribal brothers and sisters. Our forest produce collectors and farmers will now receive better prices, their goods will not spoil, and they will connect directly to large markets. This system will be run by the people of Bastar, for the people of Bastar.”
This project is proof that when policy, government support, and community effort come together, rural economies can thrive. It will serve as a model for other tribal regions, where communities can claim both their rights and dignity. This initiative is set to give a new dimension to Bastar’s development.