Post-Harvest Storage & Supply Chain
Problem Statement
Smallholder farmers are forced into "distress selling" at low prices immediately after harvest because they lack access to affordable storage facilities. The absence of cold storage and scientific warehousing leads to spoilage from pests, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, particularly for perishable goods.
Innovation Opportunities
- Develop decentralized, low-cost micro-storage and preservation technologies. Innovations should allow farmers to store produce for 6–12 months to wait for better market prices, or offer dehydration/processing solutions to convert perishables into shelf-stable products.
Use Case Example
Concept:
"Village-Level Micro-Cold Rooms."
Scenario:
A cooperative of small farmers utilizes a solar-powered, modular cold storage unit installed at a local Panchayat center. They store their vegetable surplus there for three weeks until market prices stabilize, rather than dumping the produce at a loss.
