J&K to expand CA storage capacity for horticulture: CM Omar Abdullah
Srinagar, Feb 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday announced plans to expand controlled atmosphere (CA) storage capacity for horticulture produce, saying the move aims to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and stabilise farmers’ incomes.
Presenting the Union Territory’s 2026–27 budget, Abdullah said 68 CA stores with a combined capacity of 2.92 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) are currently operational, less than half of the estimated requirement of 6.00 LMT.
The government plans to add 15,000 metric tonnes of CA capacity during 2025–26, followed by an additional 38,000 metric tonnes in 2026–27.
CA storage facilities allow fruit, particularly apples, to be stored for longer periods by regulating oxygen, carbon dioxide and temperature levels, helping farmers avoid distress sales and stabilise prices.
To promote balanced regional development, the chief minister said the government would prioritise top-up subsidies for CA storage projects in districts other than Pulwama and Shopian, where capacity has already reached saturation. “The focus will be on wider dispersal of storage infrastructure,” Abdullah said in his Budget speech.
According to the budget documents, the government estimates that 40 new CA stores would be required to meet this objective, involving a total investment of Rs 1,400 crore. Of this, Rs 600 crore would be provided as government subsidy, while additional top-up subsidies would be made available from the 2026–27 financial year.
The move is aimed at strengthening post-harvest infrastructure in the region, where horticulture is a key contributor to rural livelihoods and export earnings.
Jammu and Kashmir produces 2.5-2.6 million tonnes of apples annually, accounting for more than 75 per cent of India's total output
Industry stakeholders have long argued that inadequate storage capacity forces farmers to sell produce immediately after harvest, often at lower prices.
The government hopes the expanded CA network will help farmers stagger sales, improve income stability and reduce post-harvest losses.
