Reduction of Post-harvest Losses Using Cold storage and EV-Based Refrigerated Transportation in the Indore Region

Abstract

Post-harvest losses remain a major challenge in the agricultural sector of the Indore region, leading to reduced farmer income, food wastage, and supply chain inefficiencies. Inadequate cold storage facilities and dependence on conventional diesel-powered transportation contribute significantly to the deterioration of perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. This study examines the potential of integrating cold storage infrastructure with Electric Vehicle (EV)-based refrigerated transportation as a sustainable solution for reducing post-harvest losses. The proposed system ensures temperature-controlled storage and transportation, thereby preserving product quality, extending shelf life, and minimizing spoilage. Additionally, EV-based refrigerated vehicles help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption, and environmental pollution associated with conventional cold-chain logistics. The study highlights the economic, environmental, and operational benefits of an integrated cold-chain network in the Indore region. It concludes that adopting cold storage and EV-based refrigerated transportation can enhance food security, improve farmer livelihoods, and support sustainable agricultural development.