Cold Storage in India - Present Scenario and Future Directions

11 ~oIl~J IPr Cold storage plays vital role' C OLD storage is an integral in 2009, is expected to register a . compound annual growth rate of 25.8% and it will touch to Rs 640 bil- in reducing posthaNest . losses of edible commodities by enhancing: componentof postharvest managementof manyfruits, lion by 2017. Presently, there are : vegetablesand processedproducts. Cold storageplaysvital role in reduc- . 6,227 cold stores in India and they their storability and shelf. . .' life. Timely storage of highly: perishable and perishable' . ing postharvestlossesof ediblecommoditiesby enhancing their storabilityand shelf-life.Timelystorage commodities helps in their' . regular and continuous supply. Vijay Paul, R. Ezekiel and Rakesh Pandey took a stock of present scenario directions . . . : : : . In India. price stabilization, . . : : . . . . . . : : Processed Food Industry 31.2 Million Tonnes . also highly beneficial in and future' for Cold storage' of highlyperishableand perishablecommodities helpsin their regular and continuoussupply eitherfor tableor processingpurposes.It is : provide a storage capacity of up to properdistributionand marketing of commodities. Realizing the significance of proper and timely storage, a strong growth is being predieted for cold storage industry in near future. As per a recent report by ASSOCHAM, it is claimed that Indian coldchain industry, which stood at Rs 102 billion I May 2016 81 30.00 million tonnes. Broadly, horticulture/agricultural produce, processed food, animal husbandry produce and pharmaceutical items are being stored in cold stores. This article highlights present status of cold stores, availability, utilization and use pattern of storage space along with major limitations. Article also suggests some of the ways in making the cold stores more effective and diversified in their use. Present scenario problems and . sumed by people (120 and 280 g per . head per day). Such a wide gap will . definitely impose a hurdle in fulfilling . the food and nutritional security for . the people in India. Prevailing situa. tions with respect to the postharvest . losses in fact represent loss of natu: ral resources because postharvest : loss of nutritious commodities like . fruits and vegetables basically repre. sent the loss of crop, power/energy . and seeds, manpower, land, water, . fertilizers, and time consumed in culti. India is the second largest producer of fruits (88.98 million tonnes) and vegetables (162.90 million tonnes) and with this production, In- : : dia is contributing 11.36% and 14.04% of global fruits and veg- . . etables production, respectively. In spite of a huge progress at produc- . tion level (especially in the last 10 years), situation with respect to . vegetables has remained extremely discouraging in India. This trend is continuing in spite of the fact that hor- . . . : postharvest management of fruits and : ticultural commodities generate maximum employment and also provide quality and balanced nutrition. As per . . . . . 133 billion rupees per year (combin- . : : ing fruits and vegetables together). Around 61 million tonnes of cold . . storage capacity is presently required . . an estimate by CEPHET, postharvest losses in India are estimated at for food products (fruits and vegetables) in India. But, the actual available facilities can accommodate only about 26.85 million tonnes. Lack of cold storage space for about 34 million tonnes of produce is one of the major reasons behind higher postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables in India which reach up to 25 to 40 % of the total production on annual basis. This much of loss can . . : : : . . . . . wide difference between the quantities of fruits and vegetables that are . : : being presently consumed (90 and 190 g per head per day) and actually . . need (recommended) . also be held responsible for a very \II to be con- . . stored well in cold stores (potato, apple, broccoli, grapes, kiwi, mush. room, peach, pear, plum, berries etc.) . has remained either neglected or only . partly fulfilled. . Occupancy of potatoes in cold . stores With average productivity of 21.1 . tonnes per hectare, India produced . 41.55 million tonnes of potatoes from . 1.973 million hectares of area in the . year 2014. India contributes about . 11.37 % of the total global potato pro. duction of 365.44 million tonnes and vation and handling. Due to shortage of adequate stor- . ranks at second position in the world. ~ge space and associated infrastruc- : As already mentioned above, availture, gluts are very common at the : able storage capacity of India is time of harvest for many edible com- . 26.85 million tonnes and it is being modities like mango, potato, tomato . provided by about 5,367 cold stores. etc. Under utilization of harvested . It is interesting to note that out of the . total number of cold stores; around commodities into processing and value-addition products is another . 3,414 cold stores (64 % of cold contributing factor for poor . stores) are exclusively used for storpostharvest management of highly . ing the potatoes only. In terms of total perishable (tomato, mango, peach, : quantity, around 20 to 24 million plum, sapota, berries, broccoli, mush- . tonnes of potatoes are stored in cold room, lettuce, sweet corn etc.) and . stores. This is equivalent to about 48 perishable commodities (potato, . to 58 % of total potato production and . 75 to 90 % of total available cold storapple, pear, kiwi, grapes etc). Besides the inadequate availability of . age space. In this way, majority of cold storage space, there are other . cold storage space is being excluaffiliated problems as well. They are . sively occupied by a single commodas follows 1) Unequal distribution of : ity, and it is potato. Purpose wise cold stores (about 75 % of the total . storage of potatoes in cold stores is . as follows. About 6.0 million tonnes of storage capacity exist in only five states of India i.e., Andhara Pradesh, . potatoes are meant for seed (indiGujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and . vidual tuber weighing about 30 to 125 West Bengal), 2) High cost of cold . g, also referred as seed potatoes). storage (for example, 50 kg bag of . They represent around 14.4 % of topotatoes costs Rs 10 to 15 per . tal potato production and are stored month), 3) Poor management of cold : at 2-4 °Cwith RH of 90-95 % for 7 : months. Potatoes meant for processstores, 4) No net-working of cold stores because majority of them oper- . ing (3.12 million tonnes, representing ate as standalone unit and most of . 7.5 % of total potato production) are the cold stores are outdated in terms . usually stored at 10-12 °Cwith RH of . 85-90 % for 4 to 6 months or even of technological point of view and 5) Non-accessibility of cold store facility . more with the use of a sprout supto the poor and remotely placed farm- . pressant. Majority of the remaining ers. Due to these problems or limita- . potatoes meant for table purpose are : stored at 2-4 °Cwith RH of 90-95 % tions, much needed and actual demands like low cost, short distance, : for varying periods depending upon proper and timely availability of cold . the market requirement. Additionally, . traditional/on-farm methods are also storage space (at appropriate temperature) for commodities that can be . used for short-term storage of pota- May 2016 I Processed Food Industry Legend Major State No of Units Cold Storage Capacity in MT Uttar Pradesh 2176 1,36,33,039 Punjab 606 20,04,778 Gujarat 560 20,30,873 Maharashtra 540 7,06,302 West Bengal 502 59,01,925 Andhra Pradesh 404 15,77,828 Bihar 14,06,395 Source: MoFPI, www.indiastar.com 303 September 2015 Cold Storage Infrastructure in India . toes (2 to 3 months). Potato is a bulky commodity and it needs to be available throughout the year. Further, being the most basic and essential commodity, majority of available cold store space in India is primarily occupied by potatoes. As mentioned above, stored potatoes serve for table, processing and seed purposes. As per an recent estimate, out of total annual production of potato in India, about 68 % (28.25 million tonnes) is utilized for table purpose, 7.5 % (3.12 million tonnes) for processing, 14.5 % (6.00 million tonnes) is used as seed for next year planting and remaining 10.0 % (4.18 million tonnes) represent a postharvest loss. Additional losses also occur during short-term and long-term storage of potatoes and once potatoes are taken out of storage. In potato production system, seed potato is the most expensive in- put accounting for 40 to 50 % of the total production cost. Cost of pro- Processed Food Industry I May longed storage of seed potatoes in cold stores at low temperature of 2-4 °Cfor a period of about 7 months is the major component that makes the: seed costly. This cold storage for seed potatoes is however essential: as well because it helps in maintaining the quality, viability and optimum. physiological vigour of tubers which is required for healthy potato crop production. In this context, it is noteworthy to mention that in recent past considerable progress has been made in alternative methods of potato production (other than usual and bulky seed. potatoes of 30 to 125 g). These methods include true potato seeds (TPS), in vitro based micro-tubers and mini- . percentage of potatoes into process. ing with diversified products either . just after their harvest or within 2 to 4 months of storage (in cold stores at : 10 to 12°C and by traditional/on-farm methods) need to be given priority. . Concerted efforts in these two areas will not only reduce our dependence . on only bulky seed potatoes but also . lead towards faster and timely re. moval of stored potatoes from the . cold stores. This thereby helps in . making more availability of storage : space. This space can be utilized for more storage of commodities other . than the potatoes. This will serve as a . step towards more effective and di. versified use of cold store and cold tubers, aeroponic system for seed potatoes, little-tubers and TECHNITUBER@. These alternative methods can be effectively put into: practical and implementing mode, at least to an extent possible and wher- . . . : : : . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . : . . storage space in India. . Future directions As per the agenda set by Government of India, there will be emphasis . on reducing the postharvest losses . through the development of technolo- . ever practicallyfeasibleand viable.In . gies and improvingthe handlingsys. addition to this, utilization of higher 2016 . tems of perishable horticultural pro- . Majority of cold storage space is being exclusively occupied by a single commodity, and it is potato. duce along with the integration of producers with marketers. For permanent and long-term solution to the problem pertaining to cold storage and cold stores there is urgent need for major policy decisions and initiatives for opening up of new cold stores along with rapid modernization of existing cold stores. Technologically modernized/upgraded cold stores will ensure better monitoring of temperature, relative humidity (RH), air circulation and levels of CO2 in the storage space. This will help in improving the overall efficiency and reliability toward~ better storability and prolonged maintenance of quality of stored commodity. In past, India has made a visible progress in . . . . : : . . . : frastructure including food parks, dis. tillation and brewing of alcohol, cold . storage chain and warehousing and . five-year tax holiday for new food pro. cessing units in fruits and vegetables . processing along with other benefits : will definitely encourage the growth in : this sector. Another, proposed plan of . Government of India to set up 30 . mega food parks in the country is fur. ther expected to provide a much . needed boost in diverting and diversi. fying the edible produce into pro. cessed and value addition products. . All these efforts will help in reducing : the postharvest losses and frequent : gluts which otherwise result in dis. tress sale by the farmers. It is impor. tant to mention here that for all these . channelizing the surplus fresh produce into processing. But still with present figure of only 2 % of vegetable production and 4 % of fruit production being diverted for processing/ value addition, country is far behind the developed nations like USA and the Netherlands where 40 to 75 % of . . . . : : . . . fruits and vegetables are processed . annually. Fraction of total produce of . fruits being processed in some of the . developing countries is also quite : high. Such figures for Malaysia, Phil: ippines, Brazil, and Thailand are . around 83 %, 78 %, 70 % and 30 %, . . . : schemes and initiatives, timely availability of cost-effective cold storage space for short-term (2 to 4 months) and long-term (4 to 9 months) is critical and essential pre-requisite. Keeping this in view Mission of Integrated Development of Horticulture, yet another important initiative by the Government of India, will support postharvest handling of fresh farm produce through the development of cold-chain from farm-gate to consumers wherein financial grant of 35% to 50% of admissible cost will be pro- : vided. . References . respectively. Recently announced ini. tiatives by Government of India like . 100 % FDI under automatic route in . . food processing industry and food in- . Anonymous (2012). Report of the committee on encouraging investments in supply chains including provision for cold storages for more efficient distribution produce. Development of farm Policy Division, BRINGINGCtHNA To YOUR VOORsTEPI Manufacturers & Distributors of SOYA LECITHIN, SOYA FLOUR, ~B SOYA PROTEINS, SOYA BARI/GRANUELS, @ SINGCHEUNG POULTRY/CATTLE FEED ADDITIVES, LECITHIN OIL A-54, Brij Nayani Nagar, Behind Queens College, Khandwa Road, Limbodi, INDORE-452001. India Phones: +91-9827225090,9313225090,9584274149 Email:jdgupta@gmaiLcomWebsite:www.processenterprises.com II ~~ ~\" .5: ~':"lr~~.:fi1e!1t.J:.T. Si:nn deuno CO.pvt. t:td. Our Product Range: SOU"""like Soyaaeon.Chilli, Garlic Cmil!, Tomalo,TomatoChilli,Capcnlco.Ha!sm,Sweet 'N' '-.:1 '-.:1 Sour,Sweel Chilli.Szechuan.Manchurian.BlackPepper. 15,501rthTang,aRoad,Koikata700046,iNDiA AiI.in-One,TomaroPur.e, 8108 Sauce. Mustard. MangoPhone :(91)(33)22374479 Fax: (911(33122153268 Panna,TrueLemon. SesameOil.etc. Email:si,gcheung@gmaiLoom The oldest and trusted name in Authentic Chinese Sauces. May 2016 I Processed Food Industry Planning Commission Government dia New Delhi. Available of In- at http:// planningcommission.gov.in/reports/ genrep/rep_supply1312. pdf Anonymous (2014a). India's cold storages in crisis, majority can store only potatoes. Available at http:// www.commodityonline.com/newslindiascold-storages-in-crisis-majority-can-storeonly-potatoes-58637 -3-58638.html Anonymous (2014b). Government support & initiative to build a robust cold chain. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), Government of India. Available at www.nccd.gov.in/PDF/Mofpi.pdf Chiipanthenga M, Maliro M, Demo P, Njoloma J (2012). Potential of aeroponics system in the production of quality potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) seed in developing countries. African Journal of Biotechnology 11: 3993-3999.ISSN Available 1684-5315. online at http:// tato processing varieties: Present status: Paul V, Pandey R, Ezekiel R (2012b). Physiand future thrusts. National Seminar on ological inputs for effective postharvest "Post harvest Management and Processmanagement and uses of fruits and veging of Potato for Increasing food security etables. In: Souvenir, National Seminar in India" 22nd September, 2014. UAS on .Physiological and Molecular ApCampus, Dharwad, Kamataka, India. proaches for Development of Climate Rewww.researchgate.nell.../silient Crops" 12-14 Dec., 2012. Depart27312068U'oIaIDJJltJoossr-g_Jlareies_Present_. ment of Crop Physiology, ANGRAU, A.P., : Kitinoja L, Saran S, Roy SK, Kader AA pp 178-185. (2010). Postharvest technology for devel- . Pulamte L (2008). Key issues in post harvest oping countries: challenges and opportumanagement of fruits and vegetables in nities in research, outreach and advoIndia. India Sci Techno!. Available at http:/ cacy. J Sci Food Agric. 91: 597-603 /www.nistads.res.in/indiasnI2008/l6ruraV NHB (2014a). All India cold storage capacity t6rur14.htm and technology - baseline study, insights: Sharma AK, Pandey KK (2013). Potato minifrom Hansa Research Group Pvt. LId tuber production through direct transplantFinal Report. Available at http://ingofinvitroplantlets in green or screen J 40: 95-103 nhb.gov.in/default.aspx and http://houses-areview.Potato nhb.gov.inl . SharmaBB, DhakarMK (2013). Production PDFViwer.aspx?enc=3Z008K5CzcdC/ technology of potato using true potato Yq6HcdlxH2DHFRzps81Lv2GqoSPwtl= seed. Popular Kheti 1: 71-74 . . NHB (2014b). 10568/66577/75642.pdf?sequence=1 Chindi A, Giorgis GW, Solomon A, Tessama L, Negash K (2014). Rapid multiplication techniques (RMTs): A tool for the produc- : tion of quality seed potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Ethopia. Asian J Crop Science 6: 176-185 CIPHET (2010). Available al: http:// www.freshplaza.com/article/111965/ Large-Iosses-in-I ndias-post-harvest FAO (2011). Global Food Losses and Food Waste. Available at: http://www.fao.org/ . docrep/014/mb060e/mb060eOO.pdf FAOSTAT (2015). http://faostat3.fao.org/ download/Q/QC/E. Fox T (2013). Global Food Waste Not, Want Not. A report released by IME (Institution of Mechanical Engineers) and presented at the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) at 23rd Annual World Forum. . Indian Horticulture Database - . Singh S, Singh V, Singh BP, Pandey SK 2014. Ministry of Agriculture, Government: (2010). Aeroponic for potato-seed producof India 85, Institutional Area, Sector-18, tion.ICAR News 16: 1-2 Gurgaon - 122 015. Available at . Socio-Economic Research, Govt. of India nhb.gov.inlarea-pro/ (2011). Estimation of loss of horticulture NHB_Database_2015.pdf produce due to non-availability of www.academicjournals.org/AJB; https:// cgspace .cgiar. org/bitstream/handle/ Pandey KK (2014). Techniques for high tech postharvest Paul V, Ezekiel R (2013b). Harvest bumper (2011). An overview potatoes through little tubers. Indian Horti-: culture (January-February 2013),58: 3-5 . Paul V, Pandey R, Srivastava G C (2012a). The fading distinctions between classical patterns of ripening in climacteric and non-climacteric fruit and the ubiquity of ethylene - An overview. J Food Sci Technol49: 1-21 .. Available at http://www.imeche.org/docs! default-ource/reports! Global_Food_Report.pdf?slvrsn=O Gupta VK, Luthra SK, Singh BP (2014). Po- & processing facilities in seed potato production including Bihar & UP. ASET, New Delhi. Available aeroponics. In: "Current Trends in Quality. al: planning commission.nic.in/reportl Potato Production, Processing & Marketsereportlser/stdy_esthorti.doc ing". Compiled by Pandey NK, Singh DK. . Subin R (2011). Country: India's cold chain Kumar R. Central Potato Research Instiindustry. The U.S. Commercial Service. tute (CPRI), Shimla, India. http://Availableathttps://www.iaccindia.com/ 14.139.61.86/E-Book-SummerSchooVlec-' userfileslfilesl ture-notes/hightechseed-KKPandey.pdf India's%20Cold%20Chain%20Industry.pdf Paul V, Ezekiel R (2013a). Scientific storage' Technico Pty LId (2015). http:// options crucial for potatoes. Agric. Today www.itcportal.com/businesses/group(Year Book), The National Agriculture companies/technico.aspx Magazine, pp 134-137 . Wustman R, Haverkort A, Zhang X, Rathee G PRUTiNA oflhe potato sector in India and prospects of Indo & Dutch cooperation. Project no. 3250214811. Applied Plant Research (Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving), part of Wageningen UR Business Unit Arable Farming, Multifunctional Agriculture and Field Production of Vegetables. Wageningen. Available at http://edepot.wur.nl/192686 PEANUT BUTTER (CREAMY, CRUNCItYi&' Cltoco), Mill, Cltoco SpREAd, SOYACltuNk, Wit in OATS, SAlTEd PEANUTS &. CASItEWNUTS BHARAT . . KERNELS PVT. LTD. 24-B,BasantlalSahaRoad,Kolkata-700053 Tel.:033-24000552,24003676 Email;bharatkernels@yahoo.com Processed Food Industry Website: www.bharatkernels.com I May 2016 11/