The second webinar in the "Sustainable Energy for Cold Storage" series, conducted by SELCO Foundation and CEEP, focused on viable business models for cold storage. It highlighted challenges in cold chain storage capacity, financing, and infrastructure, particularly for small farmers. The session also explored policy implications, technology innovations, and business models aiming to disrupt the ecosystem for the benefit of small and marginal farmers.
Besides infrastructure sufficiency, cold chain storage capacity is also a challenge. More than 70% of the existing capacity serves only potato produce, both in terms of capacity and specifications. Further, infrastructure is concentrated in few states and that too near urban centers. This severely limits access to cold chain infrastructure for other produce, especially vegetables and fruits.
Financing has been identified as one of the main barriers in deployment of ‘cold storage’ technologies for small farmers. The second webinar of the series was to discuss viable business models for cold storage.
The webinar series discussed implications of policy practices, and shared the experience of practitioners working in Agri-value chains and scope innovation in technology and business models that seek to disrupt the current ecosystem in favor of small and marginal farmers.
The second webinar in the "Sustainable Energy for Cold Storage" series, conducted by SELCO Foundation and CEEP, focused on viable business models for cold storage. It highlighted challenges in cold chain storage capacity, financing, and infrastructure, particularly for small farmers. The session also explored policy implications, technology innovations, and business models aiming to disrupt the ecosystem for the benefit of small and marginal farmers.
Besides infrastructure sufficiency, cold chain storage capacity is also a challenge. More than 70% of the existing capacity serves only potato produce, both in terms of capacity and specifications. Further, infrastructure is concentrated in few states and that too near urban centers. This severely limits access to cold chain infrastructure for other produce, especially vegetables and fruits.
Financing has been identified as one of the main barriers in deployment of ‘cold storage’ technologies for small farmers. The second webinar of the series was to discuss viable business models for cold storage.
The webinar series discussed implications of policy practices, and shared the experience of practitioners working in Agri-value chains and scope innovation in technology and business models that seek to disrupt the current ecosystem in favor of small and marginal farmers.
Devendra Gupta is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ecozen, a pioneering company at the intersection of clean technology and the Internet of Things. Under his leadership, Ecozen has developed innovative solutions like Ecofrost, a solar-powered cold storage system, and Ecotron, a smart controller for irrigation pumps, both of which are transforming India's agricultural and perishable goods sector. A graduate of IIT Kharagpur in Mechanical Engineering, he has been instrumental in leveraging technology for sustainable impact. He is also a Fellow at Unreasonable, a global network supporting entrepreneurs tackling critical social and environmental challenges.
Garima Kumari is a development professional with a decade of experience working with tribal communities in Jharkhand. As Regional Coordinator at CInI - TATA TRUSTS, she leads initiatives on rural livelihoods, value chains, and rural enterprises in the Chota Nagpur region. She played a key role in designing and implementing TATA TRUSTS’ Mission 2020: Lakhpati Kisan and pioneered solar-powered lac processing in Jharkhand. Garima holds a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering and a Master’s in Social Work, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of community development. She began her career at PRADAN, working on watershed and livelihood projects in conflict-affected areas.
Mr. Gautam Kumar Pradhan, a post graduate in Agricultural Science from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology has been associated with the Harsha Trust since its inception. He is one of the founder members of the trust having grass-root experience of long 18 years in the field of agriculture and irrigation. He was the CEO cum Executive Director of Harsha Trust. He is also a national level resource person for value chain development in agriculture for National Rural Livelihoods Mission. He is a visiting faculty to KIIT School of Rural Management, Bhubaneswar. Harsha Trust is a development organisation working for the underprivileged, especially with the tribal of South Odisha for enhancing their livelihoods and improving the quality of life. At present, the trust works with more than 90,000 households. It is also a resource organisation for NABARD in FPO promotion in Odisha.
Huda Jaffer is a systems designer passionate about user-centric design with a focus on sustainability and development. As Director at SELCO Foundation, she has played a key role in shaping processes that have positioned the organisation as a leader in sustainable energy access for underserved communities. She holds a design degree from Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology and an MSc in Engineering and Business from MIT.
Jofi Joseph is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience across industries such as automobiles, paints, telecom, and Agri-tech. He has held leadership roles at Tata Motors, Asian Paints, and Nokia and holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in International Business from Mumbai University. For the past six years, Jofi has been deeply engaged in the Agri-tech sector, focusing on improving farmer livelihoods and sustainability. He currently leads Operations at Promethean Power Systems, which provides end-to-end cold chain solutions, from bulk milk coolers and cold storages to milk can chillers and reefer trucks. Committed to market-driven innovation and flexible business models, Promethean aims to achieve its vision of “Chilling in every Village.”
Shripathi Hadigal is a strategic resource mobilisation expert with a strong background in youth-led development, climate action, and sustainable energy solutions. As Senior Resource Mobilisation Manager at Restless Development, he drives partnerships and funding efforts across India, Nepal, and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on climate change initiatives. Previously, he held key roles at CBM India and SELCO Foundation, where he contributed to disability-inclusive development, global SDG7 programs, and knowledge-driven policy advocacy. With an academic foundation in Aerospace Engineering and Space Studies from the International Space University. He brings a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex global challenges.
Vedant Katiyar is an experienced entrepreneur and business leader with a strong background in agri-tech, investment banking, and consulting. He is the Founder of Onato and previously served as CEO & Co-Founder of Gobasco, an agri-tech startup. He has also held leadership roles as VP Agri-Output at DeHaat (Green Agrevolution Pvt Ltd) and brings extensive expertise in scaling agri-value chains. A BITS Pilani and FMS alum, he combines deep industry knowledge with strategic acumen to drive innovation in agriculture and supply chain solutions.
Devendra Gupta is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ecozen, a pioneering company at the intersection of clean technology and the Internet of Things. Under his leadership, Ecozen has developed innovative solutions like Ecofrost, a solar-powered cold storage system, and Ecotron, a smart controller for irrigation pumps, both of which are transforming India's agricultural and perishable goods sector. A graduate of IIT Kharagpur in Mechanical Engineering, he has been instrumental in leveraging technology for sustainable impact. He is also a Fellow at Unreasonable, a global network supporting entrepreneurs tackling critical social and environmental challenges.
Garima Kumari is a development professional with a decade of experience working with tribal communities in Jharkhand. As Regional Coordinator at CInI - TATA TRUSTS, she leads initiatives on rural livelihoods, value chains, and rural enterprises in the Chota Nagpur region. She played a key role in designing and implementing TATA TRUSTS’ Mission 2020: Lakhpati Kisan and pioneered solar-powered lac processing in Jharkhand. Garima holds a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering and a Master’s in Social Work, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of community development. She began her career at PRADAN, working on watershed and livelihood projects in conflict-affected areas.
Mr. Gautam Kumar Pradhan, a post graduate in Agricultural Science from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology has been associated with the Harsha Trust since its inception. He is one of the founder members of the trust having grass-root experience of long 18 years in the field of agriculture and irrigation. He was the CEO cum Executive Director of Harsha Trust. He is also a national level resource person for value chain development in agriculture for National Rural Livelihoods Mission. He is a visiting faculty to KIIT School of Rural Management, Bhubaneswar. Harsha Trust is a development organisation working for the underprivileged, especially with the tribal of South Odisha for enhancing their livelihoods and improving the quality of life. At present, the trust works with more than 90,000 households. It is also a resource organisation for NABARD in FPO promotion in Odisha.
Huda Jaffer is a systems designer passionate about user-centric design with a focus on sustainability and development. As Director at SELCO Foundation, she has played a key role in shaping processes that have positioned the organisation as a leader in sustainable energy access for underserved communities. She holds a design degree from Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology and an MSc in Engineering and Business from MIT.
Jofi Joseph is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience across industries such as automobiles, paints, telecom, and Agri-tech. He has held leadership roles at Tata Motors, Asian Paints, and Nokia and holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in International Business from Mumbai University. For the past six years, Jofi has been deeply engaged in the Agri-tech sector, focusing on improving farmer livelihoods and sustainability. He currently leads Operations at Promethean Power Systems, which provides end-to-end cold chain solutions, from bulk milk coolers and cold storages to milk can chillers and reefer trucks. Committed to market-driven innovation and flexible business models, Promethean aims to achieve its vision of “Chilling in every Village.”
Shripathi Hadigal is a strategic resource mobilisation expert with a strong background in youth-led development, climate action, and sustainable energy solutions. As Senior Resource Mobilisation Manager at Restless Development, he drives partnerships and funding efforts across India, Nepal, and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on climate change initiatives. Previously, he held key roles at CBM India and SELCO Foundation, where he contributed to disability-inclusive development, global SDG7 programs, and knowledge-driven policy advocacy. With an academic foundation in Aerospace Engineering and Space Studies from the International Space University. He brings a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex global challenges.
Vedant Katiyar is an experienced entrepreneur and business leader with a strong background in agri-tech, investment banking, and consulting. He is the Founder of Onato and previously served as CEO & Co-Founder of Gobasco, an agri-tech startup. He has also held leadership roles as VP Agri-Output at DeHaat (Green Agrevolution Pvt Ltd) and brings extensive expertise in scaling agri-value chains. A BITS Pilani and FMS alum, he combines deep industry knowledge with strategic acumen to drive innovation in agriculture and supply chain solutions.
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