In a to curb food wastage and improve agricultural efficiency, the ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI) has intensified efforts to expand cold-chain infrastructure across the country. The initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, which continue to be a major challenge for India’s agri-food sector, the government told the Lok Sabha.
According to a study commissioned by MoFPI through NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS), titled ‘Study to Determine Post-Harvest Losses of Agri Produce in India (2022),’ the estimated losses for the reference period 2020-22 remain substantial.
As per the findings, the following were lost:
Cereals: 12.49 million metric tons (MT) lost, valued at ₹26,000.79 crore
Pulses: 1.37 million MT lost, worth ₹9,289.21 crore
Oilseeds: 2.11 million MT lost, worth ₹10,924.97 crore
Fruits: 7.36 million MT lost, worth ₹29,545.07 crore
Vegetables: 11.97 million MT lost, worth ₹27,459.08 crore
Plantation crops (including sugarcane & spices): 30.59 million MT lost, valued at ₹16,412.56 crore
Livestock produce (milk, meat, and fish): 3.01 million MT lost, valued at ₹29,871.41 crore
Eggs: 7,363 million eggs lost, amounting to ₹3,287.32 crore
The report highlights the vast scale of economic losses due to inadequate storage and transportation facilities, especially for perishable commodities like fruits, vegetables, and livestock produce.
To address these challenges, the MoFPI is implementing the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (Cold Chain) Scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana. This demand-driven program invites project proposals nationwide through periodic Expressions of Interest (EoIs) published on the Ministry’s website.
The scheme supports the establishment of modern cold storage facilities, refrigerated transport, and processing centers to preserve perishable produce and maintain quality across the supply chain.
While the ministry has not yet conducted a dedicated study on the direct link between food losses, price fluctuations, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it acknowledges that minimizing post-harvest losses can significantly improve supply efficiency, stabilize market prices, and reduce avoidable emissions.
This information was shared by minister of state for food processing industries Ravneet Singh in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s food security through modern infrastructure and sustainable practices.
(This information has been processed from a PIB press release)
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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