Can Irradiation Resolve India's Food Storage Challenges?
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Synopsis
Discover how food irradiation is set to transform India's approach to food preservation. With a significant investment of Rs 1,000 crore, the government is paving the way for 50 new irradiation units that promise to enhance food safety and quality across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Food irradiation is a key solution for preserving food quality.
- The government has committed Rs 1,000 crore to support the establishment of new units.
- 16 proposals have been approved, with 9 units already operational.
- Grants support up to 50% of project costs in designated areas.
- The initiative aims to enhance food safety and reduce waste.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Food irradiation is proving to be a viable method for India to maintain the quality of its perishable agricultural products from farm to consumer. A financial commitment of Rs 1,000 crore was announced in July 2025 to establish 50 new food irradiation units, as reported by the government on Tuesday.
As of August 2025, 16 project proposals have received approval for the installation of multi-product food irradiation facilities, with 9 currently operational, according to an official statement.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is providing financial assistance for these installations under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana.
Grants are offered at 35% of the eligible project cost in general areas and 50% in designated states, as well as for projects involving Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries, farmer producer organizations, and self-help groups, capped at Rs 10 crore per project, the statement detailed.
By June 2025, a total of 395 integrated cold chain projects have been sanctioned under the Cold Chain scheme since its inception in 2008, with 291 projects operational, achieving a preservation capacity of 25.52 lakh metric tonnes annually and a processing capacity of 114.66 lakh metric tonnes per year, thus creating 174,600 jobs.
On the subject of cold chain project progress, the government stated that since 2016-17, Rs 1,535 crore has been released out of the approved grants-in-aid of Rs 2,066 crore for 269 approved projects, of which 169 have been completed and are operational.
The government emphasized that irradiation boosts safety, prolongs shelf life, and minimizes post-harvest losses, thereby enhancing confidence among farmers, processors, and consumers.
"With the growing government support and the development of irradiation infrastructure, India is moving towards a more resilient, modern, and efficient food ecosystem that ensures fresher, safer, and higher-quality food reaches every household," the statement concluded.
Point of View
The initiative to implement food irradiation technology represents a crucial step towards modernizing India's food supply chain. The government’s substantial financial backing underscores its commitment to improving food safety and reducing waste, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers alike. This strategy aligns with the nation's goal of achieving food security and economic stability.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is food irradiation?
Food irradiation is a technology that uses ionizing radiation to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and pests from food, thereby enhancing food safety and extending shelf life.
How much funding has the Indian government allocated for food irradiation?
The Indian government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore to fund the establishment of 50 new food irradiation units.
What are the benefits of food irradiation?
Food irradiation enhances safety, extends shelf life, reduces post-harvest losses, and strengthens confidence among farmers, processors, and consumers.
How many food irradiation units are currently operational in India?
As of August 2025, 9 out of 16 approved food irradiation units are operational in India.
What financial support does the government provide for establishing these units?
The government provides grants of 35% of eligible project costs in general areas and 50% in select states, with a cap of Rs 10 crore per project.
