Karnataka Launches Work on 8,794-Tonne Cold Storage Facility in Haveri to Empower Farmers

In a significant step towards strengthening agricultural infrastructure in Karnataka, Minister for Agricultural Marketing and Haveri District In-Charge Shivanand Patil laid the foundation for a state-of-the-art cold storage facility in Haveri on June 22, 2025. This facility, with a storage capacity of 8,794 tonnes, is being constructed at a cost of ₹30 crore, underlining the government's commitment to improving the post-harvest ecosystem for farmers.

Strategic Location and Investment

The cold storage is being developed on the APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) premises located near Hoolihalli-Konebevu villages, which are in close proximity to key agricultural zones of the district. The initiative falls under the RIDF-30 (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund) scheme, a move that aligns with the state’s vision to enhance storage and marketing infrastructure in rural Karnataka.

Shivanand Patil also revealed that three more cold storage facilities are in the pipeline under the same scheme, demonstrating a broader strategy to help farmers reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better price realization for perishable produce.

Boost to APMC Ranebennur

Addressing the gathering, Minister Patil highlighted the development of the Ranebennur APMC, which he expects to become the third-largest agricultural market in Karnataka, following Mysuru and Hubballi.

He said, “The new APMC market has been constructed at a cost of ₹220 crore. Shops have already been allotted to traders, but many have yet to begin operations. I urge all of them to shift here and start trading, so we can utilize this infrastructure to its full potential.”

Congress Government’s Support to APMCs

The cold storage launch and APMC development are part of the Congress government’s broader policy of reviving APMC markets across the state. Minister Patil pointed out that the trading levy in Karnataka has been reduced to ₹0.60 per ₹100, making trading more affordable and transparent for farmers and traders alike.

“As a result, we have been able to collect ₹500 crore in APMC cess. Across the state, total trading in APMCs now accounts for nearly ₹78,000 crore, which signifies the scale and importance of agricultural trade in Karnataka,” he said.

Why Cold Storage is Crucial

Farmers in Karnataka often struggle with seasonal gluts, poor price realization, and spoilage of perishable crops, especially fruits, vegetables, and floriculture products. This cold storage initiative in Haveri is expected to reduce wastage significantly by enabling farmers to store their produce safely until they get the right market price.

Cold storage also allows farmer cooperatives, FPOs, and traders to time their sales better, thus increasing their bargaining power in the marketplace.

Encouraging Decentralized Agro Infrastructure

The initiative to decentralize agri-infrastructure by building cold storage units near APMCs is a step toward making rural markets competitive and reducing farmer dependence on middlemen. It also aligns with the Union Government’s PM SAMPADA scheme and the Doubling Farmers’ Income roadmap.

Shivanand Patil’s announcement that more cold storages will be added under RIDF-30 also indicates that rural Karnataka’s infrastructure will be systematically upgraded in the coming years.

Future Use of Kokrajhar-like Land Holdings for Public Good

While the Haveri cold storage didn’t face resistance, land ownership and public development has been a sensitive issue in various parts of the country. Minister Patil’s colleague, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma from Assam, recently made headlines for dealing with similar issues of tribal land and industrial development in Kokrajhar.

In Karnataka, the approach appears more inclusive and cooperative, with no current disputes over land for the cold storage. However, future projects might require greater community engagement and transparency to prevent opposition and ensure fair land use.

Presence of Key Stakeholders at the Inauguration

The event witnessed participation from several dignitaries and local authorities, including:

• Basavaraj Shivannavar, MLA of Byadgi and Chairman of the Forest Development Corporation

• Azimpeera Khadri, President, Hubballi Electricity Supply Company Limited

• Ruchi Bindal, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer

• Anshu Kumar, District Superintendent of Police

• Along with several senior officers, market committee members, and farmer representatives

Their presence underlines the importance given to agricultural marketing infrastructure in Karnataka’s governance and planning frameworks.

Conclusion: A Progressive Step for Farmer Welfare

The ₹30 crore cold storage project in Haveri is more than just an infrastructure announcement. It is a symbol of the government’s intent to support farmers not just during cultivation but also post-harvest, when storage, preservation, and market access become critical.

With a vision to make Ranebennur the third-largest APMC, reduce trading levies, and create robust cold chain infrastructure, Karnataka is working towards a more resilient, farmer-friendly, and modern agricultural economy.

As projects like this take shape across the state, rural Karnataka could soon emerge as a hub of agri-innovation and prosperity, ensuring that farmers reap full value for their hard work.

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