INVC,,
Delhi,,
NAFED, the national apex co-operative marketing body, is to facilitate adoption of new technology for creation of additional warehouse space throughout the country. NAFED will associate member state co-operative federations and over 785 primary co-operative marketing societies spread across the country for erecting ‘air-supported warehouses’ so that farmers may take advantage of scientific storage near their fields.
Air-supported warehouses are made of special composite membranes welded together with no steel frame structure. They are fire-resistant, UV protected and anti-fungus treated. They can withstand temperatures between minus 20 degree celsius and 50 degree celsius. Thus, they have extensive utility for storage of farm produce ranging from food grains to perishable horticultural produce.
Realizing the mismatch between the availability of scientific storage space and its demand in the country, the Government is encouraging construction of new warehouses, especially in rural areas, to provide support to the farmer and the industry. However, because of the capital cost shooting up, there is a greater need for such technologies to be located where acquisition of land is minimal and there is local requirement for storage space. Introduction of air-supported warehouses is a step towards this.
NAFED is also organizing a seminar tomorrow on air-supported warehouses. The seminar is to be inaugurated by Shri P K Basu, Secretary, Agriculture and Co-operation. Heads of state co-operative marketing federations, seniors officials from state procuring agencies, seed corporations, storage agencies and government officials are participating in the seminar.
