The Task Force on cold chain development in India had suggested in its report to establish a National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) in India as an autonomous centre for excellence to be established as a registered society to work in close collaboration with industry and other stake holders to promote and develop integrated cold chain in India for perishable F&V and other perishable allied agri – commodities to reduce wastages and improve the gains to farmers and consumers substantially.
As recommended by the Task Force on Cold Chain a National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) has been established to promote and develop integrated cold chain in India for perishable agriculture and horticulture produce including perishable from allied sectors. The main objectives of the centre are to recommend standards and protocols for cold chain infrastructure, suggest guidelines for human resource development and to recommend appropriate policy frame-work for development of cold chain.
NCCD was registered as a society under Registration of Societies Act 1860 on 27.01.2011. Cabinet Committee gave post facto approval on 09.02.2012.
NCCD is representative in nature and as such, it has representation of stake-holders such as- Government Departments from various Ministries responsible for implementation of the schemes relating to cold chain development in the Country, Industries, Associations of CII and FICCI, Service Providers, Expert Organizations, Growers Associations etc.
In conformity with the vision of the Task Force on Cold Chain Development in India, set up by Ministry of Agriculture, the NCCD is mandated to recommend technical standards for cold chain infrastructures for perishable food items including fresh fruits & vegetables and undertake their periodic revision keeping pace with technological advancements. It is also going to undertake consultancy work, certification of cold storages and their ratings, Applied R & D and Human Resource Development Programmes for meeting requirement of skilled man-power of the cold chain sector in the Country. It is also going to advise Government in the matters relating to development of integrated cold chain infrastructure in the Country. This will definitely help in reducing post harvest losses of perishable farm produce and ensuring their steady availability thereby, securing remunerative price of farm produce to producer-farmers and availability of fresh fruits & vegetables to consumers at affordable prices.
First meeting of General Council of NCCD was held on 04.03.2011 under the chairmanship of Secretary (A&C). First meeting of Executive Committee was held on 26.04.2011 under the chairmanship of Secretary (A&C). First meeting of Executive Committee (EC) was held on 26.04.2011 and second meeting of EC held on 16.07.2012.
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