Storage demand increases, cold chains raise charges

Indore: The Cold Chain Association of Indore has raised storage charges by around 2 per cent for the new season February to October 2025 amid growing demand for storage in cold chains led by vegetables, jiggery, chickpeas and spices.

Cold chains in Indore and Ujjain region have recorded around 90 per cent occupancy this season and see a delay in clearance of vegetables stocked in storage amid higher production.

As against the usual clearance period that starts from May last week, traders and farmers this season is expected to delay clearance from June, said the association of cold chains.

Hasmukh Gandhi, President of the Cold Chain Association of Indore, said, "Cold chains in Indore and Ujjain region have seen around 90 per cent occupancy which is very good for the industry. Higher occupancy is due to increased demand for storage of vegetables like potato and other grains. Also production of potato has increased significantly this season in Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal."

According to the association the storage charges has been revised upward to Rs 240 per quintal for potato for the season February to October 2025. For beetroot new prices are Rs 265 per quintal and carrot Rs 290 per quintal for the February-October period.

The association had kept the storage charges unchanged in the last season.

Potatoes, carrots, and beetroots are the principal vegetables stored in cold chains, with potatoes occupying substantial space in cold chains in the Indore region.

The storage of vegetables in cold chains typically commences in mid-January with the fresh harvest of winter vegetables and continues until March.