Only 11% of registered processing units tap horticulture
Cold chain gaps, weak logistics fuel post-harvest losses
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Apr 13: Maximising the horticulture potential and improving the horticulture value chain in Jammu and Kashmir continues to face major gaps and challenges with infrastructure deficiency, technological limitations, quality control issues, financial constraints, skill gaps and market access barriers emerging as key bottlenecks.
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As per the report of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, out of the total apple production of 21.4 lakh metric tons in 2023, only around 9-10 lakh tons were of A-class quality. Of this, about half was sold directly in Mandis while the rest was stored in cold storage. However, existing facilities could not accommodate all the high-quality apples, pointing to serious infrastructure gaps.
J&K currently has around 60 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Stores, all equipped with integrated packing houses and advanced graders, besides around five standalone Integrated Pack Houses. Yet, the NITI Aayog underlines that efficient monitoring and expansion of storage and handling infrastructure are essential to optimise the value chain.
The situation is further compounded by the lack of advanced machinery in processing units. Out of over 2,000 registered food processing units, only 11% are engaged in horticultural processing, mainly focusing on apples and walnuts. “Processing units for spices and other horticultural products continue to rely on traditional machinery and packaging systems, resulting in a decline in the quality of final products”, the report said.
“Deficiency in transportation networks and cold chain logistics remains another major concern. Inadequate infrastructure for perishables, weak cold chain logistics and poor last-mile connectivity are increasing costs and product losses, severely affecting domestic and export market reach”, the report said.
Adding to the crisis is the lack of aseptic processing facility, which limits the ability to preserve quality and safety of horticultural produce, leading to contamination risks, spoilage and post-harvest losses. The absence of such facilities also impedes compliance with stringent quality standards and limits access to premium domestic and international markets, the NITI Aayog said, adding “the shortage of modern facilities and trained personnel further complicates the implementation of efficient processing solutions”.
Mentioning that technology adoption continues to be hindered by high initial investment costs and limited technical know-how among small farmers and cooperatives, the report said, “expensive equipment, long payback periods and inadequate servicing options in the Kashmir valley discourage modernisation, while lack of technical knowledge affects productivity and competitiveness”.
Accordingly, the NITI Aayog has recommended targeted training programs, workshops and access to technical resources to enhance technology adoption.
The sector also faces inadequate quality assurance mechanisms and barriers in meeting international standards and certifications, restricting marketability and consumer trust.
“The horticulture value chain in J&K remains fragmented, with weak linkages between producers, processors, traders and retailers, leading to inefficiencies, high transaction costs and missed opportunities for value addition”, the report said, adding “these gaps often result in poor-quality produce and reduced profitability”.
Further, lack of market information and intelligence and low export readiness continue to limit global market access, with exporters struggling to meet quality, packaging and certification standards.
“Addressing these major gaps and challenges in promoting processing in J&K’s horticulture sector requires a comprehensive approach involving investments in infrastructure, technology, skills development, quality assurance systems, market access, value chain coordination and export facilitation”, the NITI Aayog said.
The report further stressed that collaborative efforts between Government agencies, industry stakeholders, research institutions and development partners are essential to overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of processing in enhancing value addition, market competitiveness and sustainability in the horticulture value chain.
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