Stress on decentralising cold chains for wider access State collaborating with Centre of Excellence for viable solutions

Emphasizing that Telangana produces 74 lakh metric tonnes of food and vegetables annually, with 20 to 30% being perishable due to inadequate cold chain solutions, IT Minister D Sridhar Babu said the government is collaborating with the Centre of Excellence and the University of Birmingham to find sustainable solutions.
He participated in the Cold Chain Unbroken 2024, a thought leadership event at the Airport Novotel on Thursday evening. Addressing the conference, he expressed fascination with the future of cold chain solutions, mentioning he saw a unique packaging unit with advanced technology while visiting the exhibition stalls. He stated that India, being an agricultural country, now gives much importance to packaging, which has become crucial to prevent perishables from spoiling within 24 to 48 hours.
The Minister highlighted the need for stronger cold chain packaging in the pharma sector, noting that Telangana produces 30-40% of the national output, leading the industry with $ 6 billion in revenue.
He emphasised Hyderabad’s potential and the need to decentralise cold chains for wider access, especially in rural areas, benefiting women and marginal farmers. He also mentioned that cold storage units in Rythu Bazaars and affordable mobile cold rooms could help farmers and support vaccine transport for tribals.
He stressed enhancing cold chain solutions from the grassroots level and said the government is planning the next phase for the Centre of Excellence to create innovation. The Minister encouraged integrating AI into cold chain systems for more innovative solutions and sustainability.
Sridhar Babu also mentioned that there are over 10 startup hubs for innovative packaging at T-Hub, encouraging the use of both T-Hub and T-Works.