GoI completes integrating Cold Chain Projects

On May 5, 2020, the Ministry of Food Processing held video conference to discuss about the completion of the integration of cold projects in the country. The promoters of the project were the main participants of the conference.

Highlights

Over 38 cold chain project promoters participated in the conference. The promoters shared their challenges and experiences on completing the projects. The challenges in running the cold chain projects during lock down were also discussed.

Challenges

The main challenge that was faced by almost all the promoters was piling up of stocks. The stocks of frozen vegetables and diary products piled up as their traditional markets such as hotels, restaurants and banquets were all closed due to lock down.

Another major challenge faced was the lack in working hours. This was because currently the cold chain is running only with one-third of the labour force. This has reduced the competitivity and increased the cost of production.

Discussions

The discussions were also held on impact of lock down on operations, raw material availability and high cost, labour and logistics issues, liquidity crisis, high inventory costs.

Cold Chain Scheme

The Cold Chain Scheme aims at value addition and preservation infrastructure to provide integrated cold chain. The integrated cold chain project was set under the scheme in partnership with Self Help Groups, Cooperatives, Corporations, Companies, Farmer Producer Organizations, PSUs, NGOs, etc.

Also the National Cold Chain Grid was launched under the scheme.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020