Due to a combination of factors, including an unstable market and a lack of facilities to preserve agricultural products for a longer period, Indian farmers have always battled to reduce the wastage of their produce. According to estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization, food loss in South and Southeast Asia is approximately 40%.
This has serious ramifications for India, where more than 80% of farmers are small landholders who are barely able to generate enough annual revenue.
Air-conditioned warehouses where perishable products can be stored are one approach to cutting down on waste. However, there are numerous problems with this as well. Rural areas have an inconsistent power supply with frequent power cuts. It has also been discovered that energy expenses account for up to 30% of the entire cost of cold storage.
As a result, India has only a few cold storage warehouses. Solar-powered cold storage, on the other hand, has just begun to gain popularity in rural areas.
After the logistics, the second most expensive operating component of a cold storage investment is electricity.
Bacteria and other microorganisms infest the food, causing it to deteriorate. The activity of these creatures increases as the temperature rises. To maintain the temperature as low as possible. These freezer units require round-the-clock power.
To meet these requirements many business owners use diesel generators, which are not only expensive but also a major source of pollution.
Furthermore, the cost of power is always rising. Also, with the rise in crude oil prices. Diesel is also quite expensive. As a result, store owners have high operating expenses, which in turn affects food prices.
