The commencement of storing fresh winter vegetables in cold storage facilities across Indore and its surrounding regions is set to be pushed back by about two weeks this season. This delay stems from an unusually slow clearance of old vegetable stocks, primarily potatoes, which continue to occupy the vast majority of available space.
Farmers Hold On Due to Poor Prices
According to Hasmukh Gandhi, President of the Indore Cold Chain Association, the core issue lies in the unfavorable prices farmers received for their produce. "This season, potato farmers did not get cleared at the right time due to poor remuneration," Gandhi stated. He explained that squeezed profit margins have discouraged farmers from moving their existing stocks, creating a domino effect that will postpone the intake of the new harvest by at least a fortnight.
Typically, farmers clear out their stored vegetables from cold chains by the end of November or early December. However, this season, the clearance process is now expected to drag on until the end of December. This backlog is predominantly caused by the slow movement of potatoes, which along with carrots and beetroot, occupy a staggering 80-90 percent of the cold chain space in the Indore region.
Seasonal Cycle Disrupted Amid Growing Capacity
The standard storage cycle for winter vegetables in cold chains usually kicks off in mid-January, coinciding with the fresh harvest, and runs through March. This year's delay disrupts that established cycle.
Interestingly, this logistical hiccup comes at a time when the cold storage infrastructure in the area is expanding. The combined cold chain capacity in Indore and the neighboring district of Dhar is anticipated to grow by an estimated 60,000 metric tonnes in the upcoming season. Currently, Indore's existing capacity stands at approximately 8 to 8.5 lakh tonnes.
Potential Impact on Occupancy and Statewide Capacity
Industry experts suggest that this combination of increased capacity and high spot prices for vegetables like potatoes and carrots could lead to a 5-8 percent reduction in overall cold chain occupancy this season. On a broader scale, Madhya Pradesh is home to roughly 300 cold storage facilities. The Indore region alone accounts for about one-third of that total, with around 100 units located there.
The situation highlights a critical link between farmer economics and supply chain efficiency. While infrastructure grows, the timely clearance of stocks remains vital for the smooth operation of the agricultural cold chain, ensuring that new produce can be stored effectively to regulate market supply and prices.
