Question

Explain the utility of cold storage.

Answer 1

Cold Storages (Refrigerated Warehouses): These warehouses are constructed for the storage of perishable goods such as vegetables, fruits, milk products, fish, eggs, etc. Cold storage is very useful to farmers, traders and consumers. They offer the following advantages:

1. Cold storage prevents the wastage of perishable commodities. If products like vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, etc., are not kept in cold storage, they will become rotten and unfit for consumption.
2. Cold storage enables farmers to obtain remunerative prices for agricultural produce and thereby save them from financial loss. In the absence of cold storage, farmers will be forced to sell their perishable goods at throw-away prices.
3. Cold storage makes seasonal products available to consumers throughout the year.
4. Cold storage helps to reduce price fluctuations. In the absence of cold storage, perishable goods will be available at very low prices in some seasons and at very high prices in other seasons.
5. Cold storage facilitates exports of perishable goods and thereby earns foreign exchange. India exports mango, lady finger, onion, etc., to several countries.
6. Cold storage facilitates the growth of food processing and agro-based industries.
7. Cold storage generates employment for many people, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.