Technology / CA Storage
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage — 9 Months of Shelf Life, Engineered
A conventional cold storage room holds apples for 3–4 months before quality falls off a cliff. A properly engineered CA storage holds the same apples for 8–9 months at near-harvest quality — and that difference is the entire economics of an Indian apple business.
Controlled Atmosphere means the room is not just cold; it's oxygen-depleted, CO₂-regulated, and ethylene-scrubbed. The fruit essentially goes to sleep. HyperCold builds CA storage facilities from 100 MT pilot rooms to 10,000 MT integrated complexes.
What "Controlled Atmosphere" Actually Means
Oxygen
1–3%
Reduced from 21% ambient
CO₂
1–5%
Commodity-specific
Temperature
0–2°C
Precise hold
Humidity
90–95% RH
Prevents dehydration
Commodities That Benefit from CA Storage in India
Apple
Shimla, Kinnaur, Kashmir, Uttarakhand
Up to 8–9 months
Pomegranate
Maharashtra, Karnataka
Up to 4–6 months
Kiwi
Arunachal, Himachal
Up to 4–5 months
Pear
—
Up to 6 months
Grape (certain varieties)
Maharashtra, Karnataka
Up to 3–4 months
Kinnow / Mandarin
Punjab, Rajasthan
Up to 3 months
The Engineering Stack
Gas-tight construction (leak rate < 0.5% per 24 hr at 250 Pa), nitrogen generator (PSA or membrane), CO₂ scrubber (lime-based or molecular sieve), ethylene scrubber, gas analyser + SCADA, refrigeration (Daikin ODU + evaporator matched to ultra-low latent load), pressure relief / compensation bag.
CA Storage Cost in India (2026)
| Capacity | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 MT (1 chamber pilot) | ₹80 lakh – 1.1 crore |
| 500 MT (3–5 chambers) | ₹2.8 – 4.2 crore |
| 1,000 MT | ₹5 – 7 crore |
| 5,000 MT integrated | ₹20 – 28 crore |
Subsidy for CA Storage
CA storage is heavily incentivized under MIDH and PMKSY Integrated Cold Chain. Back-ended grants of 35–50% on eligible capex. HyperCold's project finance team handles DPR and scheme mapping.
Read Our Subsidy GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between CA and normal cold storage?
Normal cold storage only controls temperature. CA storage also depletes oxygen to 1–3%, regulates CO₂ to 1–5%, and scrubs ethylene — essentially putting fruit into biological sleep for months longer.
Which apple varieties benefit most from CA?
Royal Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith show the best results. Shimla and Kinnaur apples respond exceptionally well to 9-month CA storage.
How many years does a CA room last?
With proper maintenance, the civil structure lasts 25+ years. Gas-tight membranes need re-coating every 8–10 years. Refrigeration equipment has a 15–20 year service life.
Is CA storage profitable in India?
Yes. Normal cold stores earn ₹8–10/kg on stored apples. CA stores earn ₹25–35/kg due to off-season pricing. Payback is typically 4–6 years with subsidy.
What's the minimum viable size?
100 MT (single chamber) is the smallest commercially viable CA installation. Below that, the gas management equipment cost per ton is too high.
Can I retrofit a normal cold storage into CA?
Sometimes, if the construction is gas-tight or can be sealed. We assess feasibility on a case-by-case basis.
What's the electricity cost of CA storage?
Approximately ₹1.5–2.5 per kg stored per month, depending on ambient temperature and insulation quality.
Ready to explore CA storage for your operation?
Our engineers will assess feasibility, model ROI, and map your subsidy eligibility.