ASSOCHAM to Host National Conference on Curbing Post-Harvest Losses for Resilient Food Systems
19 January 2024, New Delhi: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) is set to organize its National Conference on “Curbing Post Harvest Losses to Enable Resilient Food Systems” on February 9th, 2024, at Hotel Le Meridien in New Delhi.
India’s agricultural landscape is a vibrant tapestry of diverse crops and ecosystems, sustaining millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. However, the persistent issue of post-harvest losses has been a major challenge, hindering the full realization of India’s agricultural potential.
Post-harvest losses, encompassing everything from inadequate storage facilities to market inefficiencies, are suppressing the agricultural sector. Insufficient cold storage, outdated processing methods, and poor market linkages contribute to a substantial portion of the harvest ending up as waste.
The challenges are multifaceted, involving issues at various stages of the supply chain. Inadequate infrastructure often results in the premature spoilage of perishable crops, while the lack of modern technologies contributes to losses during harvesting and processing. Inadequate market linkages amplify the economic impact on farmers, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability.
Moving forward, a comprehensive strategy is imperative to pave the way towards a more resilient and efficient post-harvest system in India. This involves investing in robust cold storage facilities, efficient transportation networks, and modern processing units to mitigate losses during storage and transportation.
The upcoming National Conference will provide a platform for global leaders in the food processing sector, agriculturists, scientists, and industry experts to discuss and share experiences on successes, as well as deliberate the opportunities and challenges faced in ensuring food and nutritional security.
Also Read: Budget 2024 must lay the foundation for Resilient Agriculture in India
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