CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 31
COVER STORY
COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS EXCELLENCE
enabled technologies. This combination
has the potential to ease the challenges of
meeting cold chain quality compliance and
operational demands. Given that cold chain
logistics is a relatively niche market, one of
the main hurdles is planning for smaller
loads, which are harder to predict. I look
forward to AI technology that can analyse
recurring patterns in small load shipments,
improving dispatch planning and making
operations more e昀케cient.”
Additionally, he emphasises the need for
practical advancements, adding that cold
chain logistics has unique constraints, and
technologies like AI can address these by
predicting load reoccurrences and ensuring that dispatch planning becomes more
streamlined and precise. “This would not
only optimise operations but also help meet
compliance standards more consistently,”
he attests.
Key Areas for
Advancements and
Automation
Certain segments within the cold chain
stand to benefit the most from technological advancements. Warehousing and
transportation are two critical areas where
automation is driving transformation. Automated refrigeration units that self-monitor
and adjust based on real-time data, along
with AI-powered logistics platforms, are
ensuring tighter control over environmental
conditions. Moreover, advancements in
electric and hybrid refrigeration trucks
are pushing the cold chain toward a more
energy-e昀케cient future.
Singh highlights the transformative
potential of automation in cold chain logistics. He remarks, “Several areas within
the cold chain stand to bene昀椀t immensely
from advancements and automation, particularly in warehouses and distribution
centres. These technologies will signi昀椀cantly
enhance order accuracy and processing
speed, which is crucial as the demand for
perishable goods continues to rise, especially
in e-commerce. Innovations in last-mile
delivery will further revolutionise urban
logistics, ensuring faster and more e昀케cient
deliveries. The integration of real-time tracking with Blockchain technology will bring
unparalleled transparency, reducing waste
and improving quality control throughout
the supply chain.”
He re昀氀ects on Arya.ag’s position within
these prospects. “Though our primary
focus at Arya.ag is grain storage, we see
the potential for automation to provide sub-
stantial bene昀椀ts within cold chain logistics
as well. However, challenges such as high
upfront costs, infrastructure upgrades,
and the integration of new technologies
with existing systems must be addressed.
Successfully navigating these hurdles will
be key to leveraging automation for greater
e昀케ciency, reduced waste, and enhanced
value for both farmers and buyers.”
Mishra highlights the Indian government’s initiatives to support the cold chain
industry. He says, “The government has
introduced several key initiatives aimed at
strengthening cold chain infrastructure and
reducing post-harvest losses. The Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), for
instance, provides 昀椀nancial assistance for
creating modern cold chain infrastructure
to preserve and transport perishable goods.
This includes the development of integrated
cold chain and value addition infrastructure,
which is crucial for the agricultural sector.
Another important initiative, the National
Cold Chain Development Scheme, offers
subsidies to support the development of
cold chain infrastructure such as pack
houses, refrigerated transport, and cold
storage facilities, all under the Ministry of
Food Processing Industries.”
Mishra also underscores the impact of
other government schemes. “The Mission
for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) promotes the development of
post-harvest management infrastructure,
particularly for horticultural products, ensuring that cold chain facilities are available to
preserve produce. Additionally, the Mega Food
Parks Scheme links agricultural production
with processors and retailers, minimising
wastage and increasing farmers’ income.”
“Besides, the Goods and Services Tax
(GST), since its introduction, has played a
signi昀椀cant role in streamlining tax structures,
reducing logistical costs, and improving the
overall e昀케ciency of the cold chain sector.”
Mishra believes these initiatives collecCARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024 | 31
