Recently, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organized a Cold Chain and Logistics Summit in New Delhi. The summit aimed to foster collaboration and innovation in developing an integrated, sustainable, and efficient cold chain ecosystem for India’s perishable goods industry. More than 250 delegates from different industry sectors from all over the country participated in the event.
In the summit, Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said that our cold chain sector currently has a turnover of about Rs 2 lakh crore – and is growing at a rapid rate of over 10%. He further added, “As per one estimate, we are going to reach a Rs 5 lakh crore limit, maybe by 2030 or 2032.”
Speaking on occasion, Asheesh Fotedar, Chief Operating Officer, National Centre for Cold-Chain Development (NCCD), Ministry of Agriculture, focused on NCCD’s several initiatives aimed at bolstering India’s cold chain infrastructure, highlighting sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. In this regard, NCCD is revising technical standards and minimum guidelines to implement cold-chain components in the sector. The revised guidelines will serve as a roadmap for all central and state government bodies setting up cold chain facilities nationwide. Besides, NCCD is engaging with stakeholders to identify the problems faced by the reefer truck owners and simultaneously working out the policy part to provide proper recommendations to the ministry.
