Article
150+ Cold Storage Units Boost: Karnataka’s Food Processing
150+ Cold Storage Units Boost: Karnataka’s Food Processing
From farm to fork, Karnataka is shaping the future of India's food processing industry with innovation and investment!
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By
Kaanchi Chawla 08-April-2025
Incentives for MSMEs
To bolster the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the food processing sector, the state offers a comprehensive suite of incentives:
- Investment Promotion Subsidy: 35% of the Value of Fixed Assets (VFA), capped at INR 65 lakh.
- Stamp Duty Exemption: Up to 100% exemption on stamp duty.
- Concessional Registration Charges: A nominal rate of 0.05%.
- Land Conversion Fee Reimbursement: Up to 100% reimbursement.
- Entry Tax Exemption: 100% exemption for 3 to 5 years.
- Electricity Duty Exemption: 100% exemption for 8 years.
- SGST Reimbursement: Up to 80% for 5 years, capped at 100% of the fixed asset value.
- Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) Subsidy: 75% subsidy on the cost, with a maximum of INR 50 lakh.
- Interest Subsidy: 6% on term loans for micro-enterprises.
- Market Fee Exemption: 100% exemption concerning agri-procurement for 10 years.
Incentives for Large and Mega Scale Industries
Recognising the pivotal role of large-scale industries in economic development, Karnataka extends the following incentives:
- Stamp Duty Exemption: Up to 100% exemption.
- Concessional Registration Charges: A reduced rate of 0.05%.
- Land Conversion Fee Reimbursement: Up to 100% reimbursement.
- ETP Subsidy: 50% subsidy on the cost, with a ceiling of INR 1 crore.
- Electricity Duty Exemption: 100% exemption for 8 years.
- SGST Reimbursement: Up to 80% for 5 years, capped at 100% of the fixed asset value.
- Market Fee Exemption: 100% exemption concerning agri-procurement for 10 years.
Glimpse of Karnataka‘s Food Processing Sector
| Karnataka ranks first in the production of coffee, ragi, sunflower, gherkins, and corn in India | The state holds the third position nationally in poultry meat production. |
| With over 150 operational cold storage units, Karnataka boasts a combined capacity exceeding 300,000 metric tonnes, ensuring the preservation and longevity of perishable goods. | Karnataka is the third-largest state in certified organic produce, reflecting its commitment to sustainable agriculture. |
New Initiatives & Opportunities
| Initiative | Inside Scoop |
| Agricultural Implements Manufacturing Cluster | A dedicated manufacturing cluster in Bidar aimed at promoting innovation and product diversification in agricultural tools and machinery. |
| Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana | A $1 billion initiative to modernise food processing infrastructure, providing financial support for:
– Mega Food Parks: $7 million per project, covering up to 50% of total cost. – Cold Chain Infrastructure: $1.4 million per project, covering up to 35% of cost. – Agro Processing Clusters: $1.4 million per project, up to 35% of cost, aimed at creating forward and backward linkages for farmers. – Food Safety & Quality Assurance Infrastructure: Assistance up to 25% of cost to ensure high-quality food processing standards. |
| Recent Legislative Reforms | – Farmers can now sell produce freely outside the notified APMC market yards, ensuring better price realisation.
– Legal framework established for the protection and empowerment of farmers in sale and purchase transactions. – Agricultural commodities were deregulated, and removed from the Essential Commodities Act, reducing restrictions on storage and stock limits for food products. |
| Infrastructure Expansion | – Four new food parks are under development, adding to the state’s existing food processing ecosystem.
– Expanding warehousing, logistics, and cold storage facilities, strengthening Karnataka’s food supply chain and reducing post-harvest losses. |
| Key Growth Drivers | Essential Insights |
| Well-Established Infrastructure | – 110-acre Integrated Mega Food Park providing world-class processing facilities.
– 5 operational food parks with 4 more under development, boosting agro-processing capacity. – 150 cold storage units with a combined capacity of 300,000+ metric tonnes, ensuring efficient post-harvest storage. |
| Strong Base of Raw Materials | – 70% of India’s coffee production comes from Karnataka, making it the coffee hub of India.
– 60% of India’s ragi is cultivated in Karnataka, contributing to the growing millet revolution. – A major producer of tomatoes, sunflower, and other key crops, enhancing supply for food processing industries. |
| Drip-to-Market Agro Corridor (DMAC) | – Ramthal Drip-to-Market Agro Corridor (DMAC) – India’s largest drip irrigation project.
– Developed in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka and 2030 WRG (World Bank subsidiary), ensuring sustainable water use and higher crop productivity. |
| Established Market Linkages | – 285 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) integrating small farmers into the commercial supply chain.
– 22 PPP-integrated horticulture projects enhancing fruit and vegetable processing. – 14 federations of organic farmers, promoting Karnataka as a leading organic farming state. – 535 sheep & wool producer cooperatives, strengthening the livestock and dairy value chain. |
Also Read | Karnataka Steel Industry Fuels 13.7% of India’s Production
Looking Forward
The state’s strategic initiatives, combined with its natural advantages, have cultivated a thriving food processing sector. The state’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, implementing progressive policies, and promoting sustainable practices continues to attract investors, ensuring its position at the forefront of India’s agri-business landscape.
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