CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 22
COVER STORY
COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS EXCELLENCE
On the regulatory front, Bellikatti
stresses the complexity of complying with
diverse standards across di昀昀erent markets.
“For pharmaceuticals, in particular, we
have to customise solutions to meet the
various regulations in each country. On
top of that, the need for traceability and
strict documentation adds another layer
of complexity to operations,” he iterates.
Technological and 昀椀nancial constraints
also pose signi昀椀cant barriers. “While realtime temperature monitoring is critical,
it’s hard to implement on a global scale,
especially in remote regions,” he says.
“Moreover, the high costs of these advanced
refrigeration technologies make it di昀케cult
for smaller companies to compete. It’s not
just about having the right technology; it’s
about making it accessible and a昀昀ordable.”
Bellikatti also expresses concerns about
energy consumption and environmental
impact. “Cold storage and transportation
are incredibly energy-intensive. Balancing
sustainability with the need for e昀昀ective
refrigeration is a growing challenge for the
industry,” he emphasises, underscoring the
carbon footprint associated with maintaining
cold chains.
Finally, Bellikatti highlights supply
chain vulnerabilities and workforce
challenges. “Geopolitical disruptions and
customs delays can easily spoil products,
especially with the added strain of the
pandemic,” he says. “And with the shortage of skilled workers, training gaps and
human error are frequent contributors to
temperature breaches.”
Bellikatti underscores that overcoming
these challenges requires innovation, improved
infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and a
stronger focus on sustainability. “Only by
addressing these factors can we ensure a
22 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
robust and resilient cold chain for the future.”
Anil Mishra, National Logistics Head
(South Asia) at Pladis Global, echoes many
of the sentiments expressed by Bellikatti,
particularly the signi昀椀cant hurdles facing the
cold chain in India. “The challenges in India
are multifaceted,” Mishra begins, pointing
out that inadequate infrastructure remains
one of the most critical issues. “We have a
shortage of modern cold storage facilities,
especially in rural areas where agricultural produce is concentrated. This leads
to enormous food wastage, with estimates
suggesting that nearly 30-40% of perishable
goods are lost due to improper storage and
transportation conditions.”
Mishra also emphasises the high energy
costs associated with running cold storage
units in India, where power grids are often
unreliable. “Energy consumption is a major
pain point,” he said. “Cold storage units
require a continuous power supply, and
with frequent power cuts, businesses are
forced to invest in costly generators, which
drives up operational expenses.”
He also touches on the issue of manpower, noting that the lack of skilled workers in the cold chain sector adds another
layer of complexity. “In many cases, poor
handling and inadequate training lead to
temperature breaches that compromise the
safety and quality of products, particularly
in pharmaceuticals and perishables.”
Despite these challenges, Mishra highlights several innovations transforming the
cold chain landscape in India. “Solar-powered
refrigeration units are starting to make an
impact, especially in areas where access to
electricity is limited,” he explains. “We’re also
seeing increased use of IoT-based monitoring
systems that provide real-time data on
temperature and humidity levels, allowing
NARAYAN PRASAD
Procurement Logistics
Specialist, MARS
The key is being ‘brilliant at
your basics’. As long as we
maintain a strong grasp of the
fundamentals, we can more
easily adapt to any challenges
that arise. Suppliers are coming
up with unique investments
in shared premises, which
allows buyers like us to benefit
from the versatility in the cold
chain market. This trend also
encourages vehicle owners to
invest in smaller, more efficient
vehicles. By focussing on
improving load capacity and
optimising routes, we’ve been
able to enhance efficiency while
maintaining flexibility, which is
crucial in navigating disruptions
and ensuring the continuity of
cold chain operations.
