India Loses an Estimated $13 Billion in Food Every Year as Cold Storage Gaps and Climate Change Add to the Problem
Published
India is losing an estimated 13 billion dollars worth of food each year. The main reason is an shortage of good cold-chain infrastructure, which means cold storage, refrigerated trucks and temperature-controlled facilities that keep fruits, vegetables and other perishable goods fresh from farms to markets. Without these systems, food spoils quickly, especially in the hot summer months when temperatures rise sharply across many parts of the country.
The problem is becoming more serious because of climate change. Extreme weather, such as heatwaves, unseasonal rain and sudden changes in temperature, can damage crops before they are harvested and make stored food go bad faster. At the same time, food prices have been rising, so families are feeling the effects of this waste more directly. When food is lost before it reaches consumers, farmers earn less money and shoppers may pay more for the produce that is available.
Experts say that investing in cold storage and better transport could reduce this waste significantly. Improving these facilities could help farmers get fair prices for their products and make food more affordable for ordinary people. The issue is also connected to wider goals of food security and reducing hunger. For now, the loss of such a large amount of food each year remains a major challenge for India as it prepares for a changing climate.
Sources: Business Today
More India news
- Cheaper Batteries Make Solar and Wind the Lowest-Cost Power Source in India, Says BNEF
- Why Money Flowing Out of India Is Drawing Attention
- Qualcomm Layoffs: What Severance Will Former Employees in India Receive?
- Suriya's Cop Comedy 'Scene' Earns Rs 111 Crore in Five Days at the Box Office
- Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3: The Conclusion Passes Rs 588 Crore Worldwide After 40 Days
- Ramayana: Part 1 Continues Strong Box Office Run with Rs 440 Crore Collection
- Government Uses Online Marketplace to Buy Farm and Allied Sector Goods
- World Bank Estimates Extreme Poverty in India at 2.6 Per Cent, Sparking Debate