Integrated cold chain solutions critical for doubling farmers income: Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra

by Suman Gupta

Mumbai, 11^th October 2019: We must consider all the aspect of developing the cold chain like storage, transportation etc. Farsightedness and consequences of our decisions must be critically thought through for better results. Farmers must be made part of bigger value chain, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra said at an ASSOCHAM event held in Mumabi today.

Since different regions face different problems, hence solutions must also be worked keeping in mind their specific problems. Optimum utilization of resources will minimize loss of produce and automatically double farmer’s income. For this a holistic thinking is required, which can not only help businesses to grow, but also help serve the society in a better way, said Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra at ASSOCHAM National Conference & Awards ‘Cold Chain – Technologies, Convergence and Capacity Building’ in Mumbai.

Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, senior vice-president, ASSOCHAM, emphasized on cold chain infra development to Double Farmer’s Income. He said farmers which are soul of the country must be strengthened and for that industry along with government machinery is working to create the right ecosystem.

Mr. Eknath Dawale IAS, secretary, Department of Agriculture, Govt of Maharashtra said, we must shift from production specific approach to income approach. Post-harvest losses are very high and needs to be minimized, and for that cold chain is very critical. The government of Maharashtra is working to integrate Farmer Producer Organizations with agri value chain. The Surplus and shortage in crops like onion and tomato needs to managed, and cold chain infra will play very important role in this. Low cost technology can be utilised to decentralize cold storage infra.

Mr Deepak Sood, secretary general ASSOCHAM said, the right price realization will help farmers in earning their rightful income. In our country, problem of small land holdings is stopping farm mechanization in a big way. Water, which is a critical resource, needs to be judicially used. India has a natural advantage in Organic farming which is coming up in a very big way globally. And lastly food processing is growing and cold chain infra would be needed and managed well keeping in mind future requirements of our country.

About ASSOCHAM:ASSOCHAM initiated its endeavour of value creation for Indian industry in 1920. It was established by promoter Chambers, representing all regions of India. Having in its fold over 400 Chambers and Trade Associations, and serving over 4.5 lakh members across India. ASSOCHAM has emerged as the fountainhead of Knowledge for Indian industry, which is all set to redefine the dynamics of growth and development in the Knowledge Based Economy. More information available on http://www.assocham.org