CEHSI Hosts Strategic Roundtable on Smart Post-Harvest Solutions in New Delhi
06 August 2025, New Delhi: In a significant step toward enhancing India’s post-harvest ecosystem, the Centre of Excellence for Horticulture Skills in India (CEHSI) organised a one-day roundtable on “Smart Post-Harvest Strategies: Value Enhancement, Loss Reduction, and Supply Chain Efficiency” at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The event served as a platform for high-level dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions on unlocking efficiencies in the horticulture value chain through innovation and collaboration.
Supported by Country Delight as the event sponsor, the roundtable also benefitted from the technical expertise of Knowledge Partners NIFTEM and Maharana Pratap Horticulture University (MHU). Institutional backing came from the National Skills Foundation of India (NSFI) and DeLaval, both long-standing partners of CEHSI in advancing horticulture skill development and post-harvest interventions.
Insights from Key Stakeholders and Sector Leaders
The gathering was marked by the presence of several prominent figures, including Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal (MHU), who served as the Chief Guest. Senior government representatives such as Dr. Naveen Patle, Additional Commissioner at the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Dr. Tanweer Alam, Additional Director at the Indian Institute of Packaging, also shared their perspectives on policy support and infrastructural needs. Contributions from sector experts like Dr. Joginder Singh, JD cum Principal, HTI; Dr. Satender Singh Arya, CEO of the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI); and Dr. Sai Krishna, CEO of NSFI, provided valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of post-harvest management in India.
Prominent industry participants included representatives from CII FACE, FICCI, UPL, Grant Thornton, Mother Dairy, ICAR, Agriculture Insurance Company, Tropical Agro, AyeKart, NAFPO, and the Northern Farmer Mega FPO. These stakeholders engaged in focused discussions on key challenges and opportunities across the horticulture supply chain.
Building a Smarter Post-Harvest Ecosystem
The roundtable discussions centered around practical solutions to minimise post-harvest losses, particularly through the expansion of cold chain infrastructure and the adoption of sustainable technologies. There was a strong emphasis on promoting value addition at the farm-gate level, empowering farmers to earn more through processing, grading, and packaging innovations. Experts also highlighted the importance of developing cost-effective and eco-friendly packaging materials that can significantly extend shelf life while reducing environmental impact.
Participants agreed that the path to a resilient horticulture sector lies in the convergence of technology, skill development, and cross-sector collaboration. As India looks to modernise its agri-supply chains and reduce food wastage, initiatives like CEHSI’s roundtable are critical in catalysing collective action among institutions, industries, and farmer-facing organisations.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate innovation in post-harvest practices and foster inclusive growth across the horticulture sector, positioning India as a global leader in smart agricultural value chains.
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