India's cold chain industry to be worth Rs 5 lakh crore by 2030, from Rs 2 lakh crore currently: DPIIT

Speaking at the FICCI Cold Chain & Logistics Summit, Dr Ahirwar emphasised the crucial role the sector plays in ensuring food security and reducing wastage, according to a press release.

Dr. Ahirwar said that the current business of the cold chain sector is around Rs 2 lakh crore and it is growing rapidly at a rate of more than 10 per cent annually.

He said, “According to one estimate, we will probably reach the Rs 5 lakh crore figure by 2030 or 2032.”

This strong growth trajectory is driven by innovations, infrastructure development and collaborative efforts between industry and academia.

Highlighting some of the advancements made in this field, Dr. Ahirwar cited temperature-controlled storage, ice battery technology and efficient packaging solutions as key innovations.

He also emphasised the role of the government in promoting a conducive environment for these developments and mentioned the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan initiative, which accelerates the development of infrastructure, including temperature-controlled warehouses.

Additionally, the National Logistics Policy launched in 2022 comprehensively addresses various aspects of the logistics sector, including cold chain.

Ashish Fotedar, Chief Operating Officer, National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD), Ministry of Agriculture, elaborated on NCCD’s initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s cold chain infrastructure with a focus on sustainability, efficiency and innovation.

NCCD is revising the technical standards and minimum guidelines for implementing cold-chain components across the sector. These updated guidelines will serve as a roadmap for central and state government entities setting up cold chain facilities across the country.

Apart from revising the guidelines, NCCD is developing a mobile application to digitise data related to cold chain components.

The app aims to increase capacity utilisation, reduce fuel costs and reduce carbon footprint. It will also collect relevant logistics data to aid policy making and analysis.

Amit Kumar, Co-Chairman, FICCI Logistics Committee and Director, Pristine Logistics & Infraprojects, emphasised the importance of developing sustainable infrastructure and adopting smart technologies to optimise energy use and minimise environmental impact.

“We stand at a critical juncture where technology dissemination, policy initiatives and market demands present unique opportunities for the cold chain sector. By placing sustainability at the forefront, we can reduce environmental impact, maintain economic viability and strengthen food security,” Kumar said.

The FICCI-Grant Thornton India Report on “Cold Chain Dynamics: Mapping India's Logistics Transformation” was also released at the summit. The report highlights India's dynamic food processing industry, and emphasises the role of the cold chain sector in overcoming challenges such as lack of infrastructure and high costs.