The Government of Haryana has launched the Sustainable Horticulture Promotion Project (SHPP-JICA) and laid the foundation stone for the Haryana Agri-Business & Cold Chain Centre (HACE), marking a significant step towards building more resilient, efficient, and sustainable food systems. 

Supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the INR 2,738 crore (USD 320 million) project aims to strengthen Haryana’s horticulture sector through improved production practices, better post-harvest management, integrated cold chain systems and enhanced market linkages. The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across the state while helping reduce food loss and improve agricultural/horticulture incomes. 

A key component of this effort is the Haryana Agri-Business & Cold Chain Centre (HACE), which will serve as a hub for capacity building, technology demonstration, and innovation in sustainable cold chain development. Together, SHPP and HACE are expected to improve the aggregation, quality, cooling, storage, transport and distribution of perishable produce from farmgate to consumption centers, helping farmers access markets more effectively while reducing food loss and resulting emissions.

The initiatives build on Haryana’s pioneering Cold Chain Policy, developed by the Department of Horticulture with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under its India Cold Chain Programme (ICCP). The policy provides a roadmap for expanding energy-efficient cold chain infrastructure across the state, contributing to food security, farmer prosperity, and climate action. 

UNEP has also supported the SHPP-JICA project and HACE as knowledge partner through the Cool Coalition’s India Cold Chain Programme, in partnership with Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy and supported by Clean Cooling Collaborative, helping integrate sustainability, clean energy and energy efficiency considerations into cold chain planning and implementation, particularly in first mile packhouse at rural level connected with refrigerated transport.

Speaking on World Environment Day on June 5, Haryana’s Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini highlighted the state's commitment to modernising horticulture cold chain systems and strengthening agricultural supply chains to cut food loss and emissions and improve farmer livelihoods and drive socioeconomic growth. 

Government of Haryana launches SHPP-JICA

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati, Head, UNEP India, said: "SHPP-JICA and HACE mark key milestones in Haryana’s move towards climate-smart horticulture. Building on the State’s pioneering cold chain policy, supported by UNEP, these initiatives will reduce food loss, boost farmer incomes, improve energy efficiency, and cut emissions. This growing partnership highlights how international collaboration can strengthen food systems, enhance climate resilience, and support inclusive growth. UNEP is proud to contribute to this journey through ICCP, linking climate action with farmer resilience and prosperity.” 

As countries seek solutions to strengthen food systems in the face of climate change, Haryana’s approach demonstrates how strategic investments, supportive policies, and international partnerships can work together to deliver sustainable development outcomes while creating tangible benefits for farmers and rural communities.