Andhra Pradesh, a coastal state in eastern India, stands as a beacon of aquaculture, boasting a thriving seafood industry that contributes significantly to the state’s economy. However, despite its abundant seafood resources and growing production capacity, Andhra Pradesh’s export aspirations are hindered by a critical bottleneck – the lack of adequate cold chain infrastructure.
The absence of proper cold chain facilities, from post-harvest storage to transportation, poses a severe challenge to the quality and shelf life of Andhra Pradesh’s seafood products. Once harvested, seafood products are highly perishable and require consistent temperature control to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage. Unfortunately, the state’s cold chain infrastructure is inadequate to meet these requirements.
“We are losing a significant portion of our harvest due to the lack of cold chain facilities,” lamented Maheshwaran, a fisherman from Nellore district. “Our hard work goes to waste because the fish spoil before they can reach the market.”
The lack of cold chain facilities leads to substantial post-harvest losses, estimated to range from 20% to 40% of the total catch. These losses not only deprive fishermen of their rightful earnings but also reduce the quantity of seafood available for export. Moreover, the lack of proper temperature control during transportation further deteriorates the quality of the seafood, making it less competitive in international markets.
“The lack of cold chain is a major barrier to our export growth,” stated Padmavati, an exporter from Visakhapatnam. “We are unable to meet the stringent quality standards demanded by international buyers because our products are not properly preserved.”
The consequences of inadequate cold chain infrastructure extend beyond post-harvest losses and reduced quality. Delays in exports due to the absence of cold storage facilities often result in lost market opportunities and reputational damage. Additionally, the high cost of air cargo services further disadvantages Andhra Pradesh’s seafood exporters, making it difficult to compete with exporters from countries with more efficient cold chain systems.
“We need to invest in cold chain infrastructure to make our seafood industry more competitive,” emphasized Srinivasa Rao, a representative of the Andhra Pradesh Seafood Exporters Association. “This will not only reduce losses but also open up new export markets for our products.”
To address this critical challenge, Andhra Pradesh has embarked on several initiatives to strengthen its cold chain infrastructure. The state government has been investing in the development of cold storage facilities at key locations along the supply chain, from fishing harbors to processing units and export centers.
In addition to government initiatives, private sector players are also investing in cold chain infrastructure, recognizing the potential to improve the quality and marketability of Andhra Pradesh’s seafood products. These investments are contributing to the expansion of cold storage capacity and the development of innovative cold chain solutions.
“We are seeing positive developments in terms of cold chain infrastructure,” commented Ravi Kumar, a seafood processor from Guntur. “The government and private sector are working together to address this issue, and we are hopeful that it will lead to significant improvements in the near future.”
The development of adequate cold chain infrastructure is not merely a logistical challenge; it is an investment in the sustainability and growth of Andhra Pradesh’s seafood industry. By addressing this critical bottleneck, the state can optimize its seafood production, enhance the quality of its exports, and tap into new market opportunities, ultimately securing its position as a leading exporter of high-quality seafood products.
editor
5 December 2023