Covestro (India), a pioneering high-tech polymer materials manufacturer, has initiated a significant venture aimed at combatting postharvest losses prevalent in India’s horticulture and fisheries sector.

Covestro (India) recently unveiled Covestro Food Security Platform. This digital platform marks a collective effort bringing together government authorities, industry leaders, and farmers with the mission of empowering farmers through innovative postharvest technologies, thereby minimizing losses and augmenting the value of agricultural produce.

India’s horticulture and fisheries sectors collectively encounter an average postharvest loss of 15-20%, leading to increased CO2 emissions and missed opportunities for value addition.

The platform facilitates farmer connectivity, enabling the exchange of insights on available technologies and facilitating supply-demand interactions. Additionally, it showcases produce that has undergone advanced post-harvest management techniques like solar drying and temperature-controlled preservation.

K Lakshminarayanan, Minister for Public Works, Fisheries, and Fisherman Welfare, Pondicherry, commended Covestro for its solutions, acknowledging their positive impact on both farmers and the fishing community.

M. R. K. Panneerselvam, Minister of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu, through a message expressed support for the platform’s concept, recognizing its potential to address wastage issues and enhance farmers’ income.

Anand Srinivasan, Managing Director, Covestro (India) Private Limited, emphasized the Food Security Platform as a testament to the global mission of  Covestro: To make the world a brighter place. “We aim to foster innovation and growth through products, technologies, and partnerships that benefit society while minimizing environmental impact. I am confident the Food Security Platform will significantly add value to the hard work of our farmers.”

The launch event witnessed active participation from key stakeholders. Chiranjiv Choudhary, Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Industries and Commerce Department, emphasized the importance of collaboration within the agriculture value chain. Alina Gumpert, Director of the German Agribusiness Alliance (GAA), highlighted the enduring collaboration between GAA and Covestro, emphasizing the significance of postharvest loss mitigation for transforming the agriculture system.

Representatives from the farming community and market linkage fraternity shared their experiences and insights. Ajeethan, Managing Director of Thottiyam Banana Producer Company, Trichy, illustrated the benefits of utilizing the greenhouse drier, showcasing how it has contributed to the development of his brand, Madhur Fruits.

Prasanna, Co-founder & Director of Finance, MangoPoint, a provider of value-added mangoes, stressed the importance of accessing the right market and the potential for increased earnings through dehydrated products.

Covestro has implemented 4000+ solutions across India,impacting over 5 lakh people. B. Veeralakshmanan, Head – Inclusive Business, Indian Sub-Continent & ASEAN, affirmed, “The Covestro Food Security Platform is not solely a technological innovation; it symbolizes our commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for India's agricultural community.”