Trade mission aims to ensure India's food security, safety: US

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Apr 28 (PTI) A 12-member Indian trade
delegation, supported by US Trade and Development Agency
(USTDA), is currently travelling various parts of America to
learn about modern cold chain technologies and US practices
and standards.
"This trade mission offers an opportunity to introduce
US cold chain technologies to India while continuing our
dialogue about best practices in the sector," USTDA Director
Leocadia Zak said.
The trade mission has been supported by USTDA in
response to President Barack Obama's call for increased
cooperation in agriculture during his trip to India in
November last year.
The trade mission, from April 23 to May 6, includes
visits with US companies and government representatives in
Atlanta, New Orleans, and Washington DC.
The visit includes delegates from the Ministry of Food
Processing and the National Horticulture Board, as well as
private sector operators of cold chain facilities in India.
In New Orleans, the delegates would attend
International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW),
World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO) Annual Convention and
Expo, the largest cold chain trade show, and would be provide
an opportunity to meet a large variety of US suppliers.
Because of the lack of cold chain infrastructure to
keep fruit and vegetables fresh in India, a quarter or more of
agricultural produce is wasted in the country.
"The trade mission will aim to introduce the
technology necessary to improve India's cold chain
infrastructure, which would enhance the country's ability to
maintain the value and quality of its agricultural production.
An efficient cold chain system is an important component of
India's agricultural economy and is vital for the country's
development," USTDA said in a statement.
The trade mission supports the ongoing US-India
Agricultural Dialogue's efforts to extend food security in
India.
It will introduce Indian delegates to US technology
and expertise in the areas of harvesting, storing, processing,
and transporting agricultural products.
Exposure to US technology in this area will decrease
spoilage and maintain a high level of quality throughout the
supply chain in India to ensure food safety and security,
USTDA said.