Bhubaneswar: Dr. Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman of ASSOCHAM Odisha (Mining, Steel and Agri Council) and Managing Director of SNM Group, delivered a key industry address at the Cold Storage Conclave & Buyer–Seller Meet 2025 in Bhubaneswar, emphasizing that modernizing post-harvest logistics and processing is the necessary next step for Odisha’s agricultural expansion.
Speaking at the event, which was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Shri K V Singh Deo and featured Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee outlining the Cold Chain Vision, Dr. Mohanty presented the industry perspective with a clear focus on integrated solutions. He stressed the critical need for cold storage facilities that incorporate pre-cooling, digital quality tracking, grading, and sorting.
Dr. Mohanty, who is also the President of Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry said these integrated cold chain solutions, coupled with assured access to organized buyers, are essential for attracting private capital to the sector. He noted that market predictability and long-term procurement commitments are the key prerequisites for unlocking significant private investment.
Dr.Mohanty’s views align with the state government’s commitment, as articulated by Shri Shubhranshu Mishra, Managing Director, APICOL, to build a robust and sustainable cold storage ecosystem aimed at reviving defunct units and ultimately reducing post-harvest losses to enhance farmers’ income.
The conclave also served as a dynamic platform with a major Buyer–Seller Meet, connecting Odisha’s producers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and entrepreneurs with national buyers from the retail, export, and e-commerce sectors. A parallel exhibition showcased diverse local and value-added products, including GI-tagged cashews and exotic vegetables, facilitating direct business interactions. Dr. Mohanty’s call for strengthening cold chains and improving market access was reinforced by experts from APEDA, NABARD, and technology firms who shared insights on integrating Odisha’s agri-enterprises with organized domestic and export value chains.
The event, which featured panel discussions on scaling supply chains, access to market, and financing rural enterprises, concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment from both government and industry to build a resilient, market-linked, and investment-friendly agri-horti ecosystem in the state.