The Samvardhan Mobile Cool Storage Unit Initiative by NOBA GSR aims to revolutionize post-harvest management for. This innovative project addresses the challenges faced by farmers, such as the lack of cold storage facilities, which forces them to sell their perishable produce like mushrooms, watermelon, cauliflower, and cabbage at exploitative prices, often leading to financial losses.
The initiative was conceptualized under the guidance of NOBA GSR Board Advisor Shri Om Prakash Choudhary and launched in April 2025 in partnership with Agri-tech innovator BMH Transmotion. The project aims to empower women farmers by providing sustainable, mobile cold storage units equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance preservation and reduce spoilage.
The primary goal is to minimize post-harvest losses, improve market access, and ultimately increase the farmers’ income by enabling them to store and sell their produce at favorable prices.
Samvardhan units are designed as solar-powered, mobile cold storage solutions that can reach farm gates, reducing logistical burdens. The units incorporate air circulation systems, ethylene gas management, and IoT-based monitoring, allowing women farmers to maintain optimal storage conditions efficiently. The technology’s mobility ensures that it reaches rural women farmers who lack access to traditional cold storage facilities. Additionally, the units are user-friendly, requiring minimal maintenance, which makes them accessible to local women without technical backgrounds.
NOBA GSR conducted a comprehensive baseline survey in Khunti to understand the socio-economic and environmental factors affecting mushroom production. The findings revealed that women farmers, despite being actively involved in agriculture, lacked decision-making power, access to modern techniques, and reliable storage solutions. The survey identified critical issues such as high spoilage rates, fluctuating prices, and limited market access. These insights shaped the Samvardhan initiative to be community-driven, addressing the core challenges faced by women cultivators.
Samvardhan is not just a storage solution, it is a movement to restore dignity and economic freedom to women farmers. The success in Khunti has encouraged NOBA GSR to plan replication in other districts through CSR partnerships and FPO collaborations. The project aims to provide technology support, IoT integration, and continuous research to empower agricultural organizations working toward sustainable farming practices.
By leveraging technology and community involvement, Samvardhan is setting a precedent for sustainable post-harvest management. NOBA GSR remains committed to supporting agricultural organizations by offering technology assistance, conducting research, and fostering innovation to make a tangible difference in the lives of small and marginal farmers. The project exemplifies how integrating technology with grassroots efforts can create scalable, impactful solutions, ensuring better livelihoods and sustainable agricultural practices.
