Weather Effects on F&V Supply Chain

India is one of the largest producers of fruits and vegetables globally, with a production of around 92 million tonnes in 2012-13. However, the supply chain faces significant challenges due to weather fluctuations. Climate change can lead to a decrease in fresh produce supply as growers may go out of business or leave products unharvested due to weather-related issues. For example, irregular rainfall patterns and natural calamities have prompted a reevaluation of agricultural practices and supply chain management in India.

The primary reasons for the decline of fruits and vegetables in India encompass factors like moisture levels, relative humidity, product and environmental temperatures, and other weather-related issues.

Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, can significantly impact the capacity of production, demanding more flexibility and adaptation in terms of road fleet and transportation.

1. Post-Harvest Losses:

- India loses around 30% of its total produce due to post-harvest losses, which is a significant contributor to the overall decline in fresh produce supply.

- Weather-related issues, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture, can lead to spoilage and damage, further exacerbating the problem.

2. Impact on Specific Crops:

- Weather conditions significantly affect the production of certain crops like mangoes, which are a major contributor to India's fruit production. Droughts and heatwaves can reduce mango yields and quality.

- The production of potatoes, a staple crop in India, is also impacted by weather conditions. Excessive rainfall can lead to rot and reduced yields, while droughts can reduce yields and quality.

3. Regional Weather Impact:

- The western region of India, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, is prone to droughts, which can significantly impact the production of fruits and vegetables like grapes, bananas, and potatoes.

- The eastern region, particularly West Bengal and Odisha, is more susceptible to floods, which can damage crops and disrupt supply chains.

4. Cold Chain Infrastructure:

- India has a limited cold chain infrastructure, with only around 1,500 cold storage facilities across the country, which is inadequate to meet the demands of the growing fresh produce market.

- The lack of proper cold chain facilities and inadequate capacity make it difficult for farmers and businesses to effectively manage the supply chain and get proper remuneration for their produce during weather-related disruptions.

5. Transportation Challenges:

- India's road network is inadequate, with many rural areas lacking proper road connectivity, which can lead to delays and increased costs for transporting fresh produce.

- Weather-related disruptions can further exacerbate these challenges, making it difficult to maintain a consistent supply of fresh produce to markets.

6. Economic Impact:

- The impact of weather on the fruits and vegetables supply chain in India can have significant economic implications. For example, a study found that a 10% decline in fruit production can lead to a 2.5% decline in GDP.

- Weather-related disruptions can also lead to increased costs for farmers, businesses, and consumers, which can have long-term effects on the economy.

7. Government Initiatives:

- The Indian government has initiated several programs to improve the supply chain and mitigate the impact of weather on fresh produce. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana aims to improve cold chain infrastructure and logistics.

- The government has also launched initiatives to promote climate-resilient agriculture practices and provide financial support to farmers affected by weather-related disasters.

In conculsion we saw how weather fluctuations in India disrupt the fruits and vegetables supply chain, impacting production and post-harvest losses. Specific crops like mangoes and potatoes suffer from extreme weather events, affecting yield and quality. Limited cold chain infrastructure and transportation challenges exacerbate the situation, leading to economic implications such as decreased GDP. Government initiatives aim to address these challenges through improved infrastructure and climate-resilient agriculture practices.

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