Regular Update
ATM News Network: Knowing the importance of the cold chain industry to reduce food wastage and increase the shelf life of perishable products along with ensuring food security, the Ministry of Agriculture has drawn up a policy and prepared a program to strengthen this sector, asserted Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
A one-day exhibition and conference, "India Cold Chain Conclave" was held in collaboration with the National Centre for Cold Chain Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, PhD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Manoj Ahuja inaugurated the conference and exhibition.
Secretary Ahuja said that technological innovation is crucial for the growth and development of the Indian cold chain industry. With the advent of advanced refrigeration systems, the industry is now able to store and transport goods at much lower temperatures. It helps in increasing the shelf life of perishable products. Due to this, the products can now reach the international market in good condition, and the export of perishable goods from India has increased.
During the conference, product-specific horticulture groups were recognised in different parts of the country under the Horticulture Group Development Program of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Ahuja handed over letters of acceptance to five cluster development organisations and implementing agencies for the respective clusters. Among the 12 clusters selected for the pilot phase are apples in Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir), bananas in Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh), grapes in Nashik (Maharashtra), mango in Mehbubnagar (Telangana) and turmeric in West Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya).
Among the concerned implementing agencies are FIL Industries Pvt. Ltd., Desai Agrifoods Pvt. Ltd., Sahyadri Farms Post Harvest Care Ltd., Prasad Seeds Pvt. Ltd. and through the Meghalaya Basin Management Institute and its group development organizations such as JK HPMC, Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Development Institute, Maharashtra State Horticulture and Medicinal Board, Telangana State Horticulture Development Corporation Ltd. and Meghalaya State Board of Agricultural Marketing.
It was also announced that the application process for 7 other ambitious clusters namely Mango for Kutch and Lucknow, Pomegranate for Solapur and Chitradurga, Banana for Theni, Apple for Kinnaur and Pineapple for Sipahijala.
Additional Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Dr Abhilaksh Lekhi said that the Indian cold chain industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Increasing demand for perishable items such as fruits, vegetables and meat products as well as growth in e-commerce and online grocery sales are driving this growth. As demand for these commodities continues to increase in India, the government has recognised the need to support the development of the cold chain industry to ensure food security and public health.
The program was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, APEDA, Bureau of Energy Efficiency etc. The conference was attended by more than 250 representatives from various government departments, businesses, and technology providers, along with traders, exporters, researchers and stakeholders from different parts of the country.
