Shimla, April 17 -- Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under the Ministry of Power, has initiated a new program introducing solar-powered micro cold storage (SPMCS) units designed to address India's significant post-harvest agricultural losses.

The initiative commenced with a pilot installation in Himachal Pradesh, targeting the estimated Rs 7,000 crore annual post-harvest loss experienced across the country, which notably excludes potatoes and onions.

With approximately 50 percent of agricultural waste occurring at the farm gate level, EESL's intervention focuses on providing decentralised cold storage solutions specifically dimensioned for small and marginal farmers.

The inaugural pilot unit was officially lau...