'Cold chains catalyse market growth’

INDORE:

Cold chains

are not only about preserving produce but to connect the grower with the market that will help in increasing production and exploring new markets, said the experts at a two-day international cold chain expo that commenced Friday.

"The need is to handle and preserve what we produce in an efficient and competitive way," said CEO and chief advisor

National Centre for Cold chain Development

Pawanexh Kohli.

About 40 per cent of the food in supply chain is wasted due to lack of infrastructure and cold storages.

Kohli said earlier eight per cent of the horticulture budget was used for marketing of the produce which has now increased to 25 per cent and in coming years the share will go up to 50 per cent.

About 70 exhibitors from the United States, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Middle-East showcased their products and technology at the exhibition. The two-day event will see discussions on upgrading technology, modern equipment, development of the cold chain and market accessibility to farmers.

President, Federation of All India Cold Storage Associations Mahendra Swarup said, "For better results, cold storage chain should be joined with actual manufacturing industry. The cold chain industry is growing and we have Asian partners also because both the countries have the common need."

Indore has the maximum 70 number of cold storages in the city and nearby areas and 12 additional cold storages with a capacity of about 5,000 tonnes each is expected to be operational in the next six months.

The event had participation from the delegations of Chile, Australia and the United Sates.

The US embassy’s attaché for agricultural affairs Mark Wallace said, "We are optimistic that events like this will help two-way food and agricultural trade development across the country, particularly in progressive states like Madhya Pradesh."