EESL Launches Nation-Wide Rollout of Solar Powered Micro Cold Storages to Curb Post-Harvest Losses and Empower Farmers

• EESL’s 1^st Solar-Powered Micro Cold Storage was unveiled in Himachal with ADB support, marking a milestone in farm-level infrastructure

• EESL is replicating the model across Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, laying groundwork for nationwide deployment

New Delhi, April 16, 2025: In a transformative step towards strengthening India’s agricultural infrastructure and combating post-harvest losses, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has launched a pioneering initiative to deploy Solar Powered Micro Cold Storage (SPMCS) units across multiple states across India, starting with Himachal Pradesh.

The first pilot unit was inaugurated at PCDO, Bajaura in Kullu by Hon’ble Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development, and RPG Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jagat Singh Negi, in the presence of the EESL team led by Shri Anil Choudhary, Chief General Manager. Developed with funding support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the pilot marks a critical milestone in bringing clean, decentralised, and farm-level cold storage solutions to India's agriculture sector.

Following the success in Himachal Pradesh, similar pilots are being initiated in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, setting the stage for a pan-India model of sustainable, farm-level cold storage infrastructure.

India faces an estimated post-harvest loss of Rs 7,000 crore annually (excluding potatoes and onions), with nearly 50% of losses occurring at the farm gate. To tackle this, EESL has conceptualised 5–10 MT solar-powered, off-grid micro cold storages tailored to the needs of small and marginal farmers. These storages aim to preserve perishable produce, reduce wastage, and prevent distress sales, thereby enhancing rural incomes and food security. Under the programme, EESL will oversee installation and maintenance, while the state government will offer financial support to make the units affordable and accessible to farmers.

To ensure quality and long-term performance, the programme incorporates guidance from the National Centre for Cold-chain Development (NCCD), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), CLASP, OEMs, and leading technical institutions, including National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).

Shri Vishal Kapoor, CEO, EESL, said, “India’s agricultural future hinges not just on higher yields, but on smarter, sustainable systems that preserve value at the farm gate. At EESL, we see technology as a catalyst for equity—bringing the power of clean energy and innovation to the very last mile. Our Solar Powered Micro Cold Storages represent a new class of infrastructure: decentralised, off-grid, and designed with the farmer at the center. This is not just about reducing post-harvest losses; it’s about building climate-resilient food systems, protecting rural incomes, and accelerating India’s transition to a just, green economy.”

Shri Anil Choudhary, Chief General Manager, EESL, said, “This initiative is the outcome of deep collaboration and field insights, and reflects our commitment to creating grassroots-level impact. The Solar Powered Micro Cold Storages are designed for real conditions—unreliable power, remote locations, and diverse produce. By combining renewable energy with cold storage technology, we are delivering a solution that is as sustainable as it is scalable.”

Each unit is equipped with 36-hour thermal energy backup, ensuring continuous cooling even without solar or grid power, and is capable of supporting multiple harvest cycles through the year. This initiative is poised to revolutionise the way India stores and preserves agricultural produce—ushering in a new era of climate-resilient, inclusive, and decentralised agri-infrastructure.