HAVERI, 23 June 2025: In a significant step to improve post-harvest infrastructure and support farmers, Karnataka’s Minister for Agricultural Marketing and Haveri district in-charge Shivanand Patil launched the construction of a INR 30 crore cold storage facility on the APMC premises near Hoolihalli-Konebevu villages.
The 8,794-tonne capacity cold storage unit will serve the farmers of Haveri and neighboring regions by preserving perishables, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening supply chain logistics.
Patil noted that this is part of a broader push under the RIDF-30 (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund) scheme. “In addition to this cold storage, the government will construct three more such facilities to enhance agricultural infrastructure and benefit the farming community,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted that the Ranebennur Agricultural Produce Market is set to become Karnataka’s third-largest APMC, following Mysuru and Hubballi. A new market infrastructure has been developed at a cost of INR 220 crore, complete with shop allotments to traders.
“We appeal to all allottees to open their shops and begin trading operations to activate the full potential of this market,” said Patil, urging cooperation from the trader community.
Highlighting recent reforms by the Congress-led Karnataka government, the Minister said that APMCs have been revived, with trading levies reduced to 60 paise per INR 100 of trade value. This measure has increased transparency and led to a collection of INR 500 crore in APMC cess, according to Patil.
“Across Karnataka, the total trade value transacted through APMCs now stands at approximately INR 78,000 crore annually,” he added, underscoring the sector’s vitality and contribution to the rural economy.
The new cold storage facility is expected to be completed on a priority basis and will provide a major boost to horticulture, floriculture, and perishable goods farmers in the district.
