The unanticipated COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted perishable supply chains across the globe, but notably at the same time has opened doors for innovations to respond to these challenges. It has been observed that supply chains are now being assessed and monitored for risks and alternate solutions to guarantee continuity in supply especially across perishables. The emergence of new business models and focus on innovation either by optimization of existing supply chains or exploring new modes of movement has led to changes in existing structures in terms of competitiveness, inclusiveness, scalability and sustainability.
Ensuring the availability of essential agri commodities especially perishables like fruits and vegetables, milk etc. both in rural and urban areas, is of paramount importance for every economy. The recent outbreak has taught us that a global crisis can create significant interruptions to the reliable supply of products, and hence there is a need to reconfigure existing supply chains technologically and innovatively to respond to such situations in the future as well.
It is in this context that, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organizing a National digital conference on “Future proofing of Global Supply Chains for Perishables on 2nd & 4th September 2020.
The summit will be a significant forum to discuss and understand the models for optimization of supply chain, technological Innovations and advancements needed to strengthen the food and Agri systems and best practices emerging from India and globally in the sector, The recent reforms, including the Agri infrastructure fund, Krishi Rail and Krishi Udaan provide a unique opportunity for India to leverage emerging innovations built on the architecture of new reform , working towards resilience and becoming Aatmanirbhar.