The City of Rourkela

supports solar-powered cold storage facilities in local markets to reduce operating costs, food waste, and environmental impacts while strengthening local food systems. The initiative improves market connectivity and storage capacity, enabling farmers and vendors to increase their incomes by reducing post-harvest losses and selling at below-cost prices. The project also strengthens women’s cooperatives by providing training in cold storage management and the use of digital tools through both practical and theoretical programs. Farmers participate in awareness activities to improve market practices and supply chain efficiency. Financial sustainability is ensured through user fees, sales of organic produce, wholesale vegetable supply to institutions, and home delivery services for city residents with electric tuk-tuk.