Manoj Ahuja, Secretary (Agriculture) inaugurates one-day India Cold Chain Conclave
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, along with PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) in association with National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) as a knowledge partner, organised a one-day exhibition and conference as “India Cold Chain Conclave” in New Delhi on 19th January 2023.
The conference was organised with the objective to bring together all the stakeholders on one common platform where they can contribute thoughts and ideas for the growth of industry in a sustainable manner and to explore ways of reducing post-harvest losses with relevant technologies. An exhibition was also organised concurrently to demonstrate innovations and excellence in cold chain sector by industry leaders.
The conclave and exhibition was inaugurated by Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. “Technological innovation is crucial for the growth and development of the Indian Cold Chain industry. With the advent of advanced refrigeration and cooling systems, the industry is now able to store and transport goods at much lower temperatures, which helps to extend the shelf life of perishable products. This has led to an increase in the export of perishable goods from India, as the products can now reach international markets in better condition”, he said.
During the conclave, approval of the product specific horticulture clusters in various parts of the country under the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare was accorded. Ahuja handed over letter of acceptance to the five Cluster Development Agencies and Implementing Agencies for respective clusters viz. Apple in Shopian (J&K), Banana in Ananthapur (Andhra Pradesh), Grape in Nasik (Maharashtra), Mango in Mahbubnagar (Telangana) and Turmeric in West Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya), out of 12 selected clusters for pilot phase.
It was also announced that the applications for 7 other pilot clusters namely Mango for Kutch and Lucknow, Pomegranate for Solapur & Chitradurga, Banana for Theni, Apple for Kinnaur and Pineapple for Sepahijala are under process.
Image credit- twitter