The chairman of Rasna has called for accelerated investment in cold chain infrastructure, warning that inadequate facilities at Indian ports are constraining the country’s potential in the perishable goods trade.
Speaking at an industry forum, the company’s leadership highlighted gaps in temperature-controlled storage, reefer plug points and efficient cargo handling systems, particularly for food and beverage exports. He noted that while India has made progress in boosting agricultural output, post-harvest logistics remain a critical bottleneck.
“Without a modern, integrated cold chain, we risk losing value and competitiveness in global markets,” he said, stressing that port infrastructure must evolve to support growing shipments of fruit concentrates, processed foods and other temperature-sensitive products.
Industry stakeholders echoed concerns that many ports lack adequate pre-cooling zones, rapid customs clearance mechanisms and sufficient reefer container capacity. Delays and temperature deviations can significantly impact product quality, especially for exports destined for Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The Rasna chairman urged policymakers to prioritise public-private partnerships to upgrade port-side cold storage facilities and improve hinterland connectivity. Enhanced rail and road links to production clusters, he added, would help reduce spoilage, lower logistics costs and strengthen India’s position in the global perishables market.
Experts say that as India targets higher agri-exports, investments in end-to-end cold chain systems — from farm gate to port — will be essential to ensure consistent quality, minimise waste and maximise export realisation.
