Goa, Aug 14 (KNN) A new study conducted by Assocham Goa and consultancy firm Grant Thornton, has found that Goa's cold chain sector is facing a number of challenges, including inadequate storage capacity, technological limitations, and logistic gaps. These challenges are having a negative impact on MSMEs in the state, which are struggling to export their products and reach new markets.

The knowledge paper titled ‘Cold Chain Revolution: Transforming Goa into distribution hub’ was unveiled by industries minister Mauvin Godinho and handed over to the state government reported TOI.

Goa’s cold chain sector aims to contribute to 5% of the state’s GDP by 2030, but challenges ranging from inadequate storage capacity and technological limitations to logistic gaps and post-harvest losses could derail this plan, says a document prepared by a consultancy firm for the state.

The knowledge paper on Goa’s cold chain sector says that the state needs to bridge the existing gaps in the cold storage ecosystem. Goa’s cold chain industry is in its early stages, with just 24 cold storage units existing in the state. An overwhelming 92% of the cold storage facilities are in the private sector and cater to fisheries and marine products.

“Goa has a unique identity in that it has port, airport, railway and road connectivity networks in a range of 10 km, and the RoRo service of the railways facilitates the smooth flow of goods. To further promote Goa as a trade hub, new investments in the cold chain, warehousing, truck terminals, and capacity building have been envisaged, and the Assocham Goa council will make attempts to bring new investment to the state,” said chairman Assocham Goa Council Mangurish Pai Raikar.

However, several lacunae still exist in Goa’s cold chain sector, which leads to high transaction costs and produce wastage, thus affecting food and healthcare supplies. These challenges include infrastructural hurdles, high operating costs, technological advancement, and supply-chain disruptions, the report said. The report, jointly prepared, suggests that the pharmaceutical sector could save Rs 1,000 crore annually by improving cold chain infrastructure.

“The current national pharmaceutical wastage rate is approximately 30%. Goa aims to reduce this wastage to less than 5%. Achieving this goal could save over Rs 1,000 crore annually in pharmaceuticals alone, while ensuring timely and efficient delivery of critical medicines,” said the report.

The report valued the state’s pharmaceutical exports in 2022-23 at Rs 4,000 crore.

“By 2030, the state’s exports of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fisheries products will increase by 150%, boosting economic growth and international trade partnerships. In 2022-23, Goa exported perishable goods of 2,848 MT, valued at Rs 53.6 crore. By targeting a 150% increase in exports by 2030, the state aims to export 7120 MT of perishable goods, worth Rs 134 crore. This will require consistent cold chain facilities, adherence to global quality standards, and strategic partnerships with international buyers,” the knowledge paper stated.  (KNN Bureau)