India’s cold chain sector poised for rapid growth, driven by innovation and infrastructure development.
India’s cold chain sector is experiencing significant growth and innovation, according to Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary of DPIIT, at the FICCI Cold Chain and Logistics Summit. With a current turnover of around INR 2 lakh crore and an annual growth rate exceeding 10 percent, the sector is projected to reach INR 5 lakh crore by 2030.
Dr. Ahirwar emphasised the sector’s crucial role in ensuring food security and reducing waste. He highlighted advancements such as temperature-controlled warehousing, ice battery technology, and efficient packaging solutions. The government’s PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and the 2022 National Logistics Policy are key to fostering these developments.
Asheesh Fotedar, COO of NCCD, discussed initiatives to strengthen cold chain infrastructure focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. NCCD is updating technical standards and developing a mobile app to digitise data, increase capacity utilisation, reduce fuel costs, and minimise carbon footprints.
Amit Kumar, Co-Chairman of the FICCI Committee on Logistics, emphasised the need for sustainable infrastructure and smart technologies to optimise energy usage and reduce environmental impact. He noted that the sector stands at a pivotal juncture with unique opportunities driven by technology diffusion, policy initiatives, and market demand.
The summit also saw the release of the FICCI-Grant Thornton Bharat Report, which highlights the dynamic nature of India’s food processing industry and the cold chain sector’s role in addressing infrastructure gaps and high costs.
