Exports halt pushes up cold storage demand for spices & pulses

Indore: Disruption in exports amid the Iran-Israel-US conflict has sharply increased demand for cold storage of perishables with stocks of kabuli chana, coriander, chilli and other spices now occupying a significantly larger share of cold chain capacity.Cold storage operators said facilities in Indore and adjoining regions are nearly full in April itself, almost a month earlier than the usual peak utilisation period of May. The shift is driven by export consignments that could not be shipped and are now being diverted to domestic markets or held back in storage."The exports have halted because of the ongoing global tensions, which has disrupted shipping lines. This has generated significant demand for storage of kabuli chana and spices in cold chains," a cold storage units operator in Rau and along Nemawar Road Rajiv Tuteja said.Industry estimates show that the share of spices and kabuli chana in cold storage facilities has increased to 25–30 percent from the earlier 12–15 percent, reflecting a sharp change in storage patterns that were traditionally dominated by vegetables."Exporters, traders and farmers are holding stocks that could not be shipped due to the conflict. These are now being routed to domestic markets and stored in cold chains. This has also dampened prices of several commodities," Indore Cold Chain Association president Hasmukh Gandhi said.Madhya Pradesh has around 400 cold storage units with an estimated capacity of 30 lakh tonne. The Indore-Ujjain belt accounts for nearly 150 facilities, the highest in the state.Typically, cold storages in the region are occupied by potatoes, carrots and beetroot, with storage beginning in mid-January and tapering off by March. However, operators said the current season has seen an unusual extension and diversification, with spices and pulses taking up significant space due to export disruptions.