Himachal announces 70% subsidy on cold storage, refrigerated vans for fisheries
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), August 9, 2026: The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a 70 per cent subsidy to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and cold-chain facilities in the state's fisheries sector, with the aim of reducing wastage, improving fish quality and creating new self-employment opportunities.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive a 70 per cent subsidy for establishing 5-metric-tonne cold storage facilities, freeze-dry units and refrigerated vans.
The government has earmarked assistance of ₹15 lakh for a 5-metric-tonne cold storage facility, ₹10 lakh for a freeze-dry unit and ₹20 lakh for a refrigerated van.
Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), fisheries cooperatives, entrepreneurs, unemployed youth, self-help groups, fishermen, fish vendors and fish farmers will be eligible to benefit from the scheme.
Applicants seeking assistance for cold storage must have suitable land or space, either owned or leased for at least 10 years. Existing fish vendors will receive priority for setting up freeze-dry units. Applicants seeking assistance for refrigerated vans must either be qualified commercial drivers or arrange for a qualified driver.
The Fisheries Department will implement the scheme and inspect cold storage and freeze-dry units at different stages, including site preparation, machinery installation and trial operations. Refrigerated vans must be registered with the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department before the final subsidy instalment is released.
After construction or installation and verification of the assets, the subsidy will be transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
To ensure that the subsidised infrastructure is used for its intended purpose, beneficiaries will be required to maintain the assets for at least seven years. They will not be permitted to sell, lease, transfer or modify the subsidised assets without prior approval from the Fisheries Department.
The department will also conduct quarterly performance reviews and surprise inspections to monitor the functioning and proper utilisation of the facilities.
Priority under the scheme will be given to new beneficiaries, particularly unemployed youth, fishermen's cooperatives and FPOs, with the government aiming to promote entrepreneurship and employment in the fisheries sector.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said the initiative would help modernise Himachal Pradesh's fisheries sector, reduce post-harvest losses and enable fish farmers and fishermen to secure better prices through improved storage and value addition.
He said the government was giving special attention to unemployed youth, cooperatives and fish farmers to promote entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. He also directed the Fisheries Department to ensure transparent and timely implementation so that the benefits reach eligible beneficiaries and contribute to strengthening the state's blue economy.