Potato Cold Storage

Modern Cold Storages

Cold Storage in India

Traditionally potatoes are stored in bags on multiple floors, as high as 5 floors. Loading and unloading is done Manually. There are an estimated over 10,000 stores of varying capacities all over India.

However, in recent times, the industrial potato sector is gradually moving away from this bag storage system. Companies are recognizing the inefficiencies and quality deterioration associated with it and are shifting to modern storage systems that ensure better temperature control, longer shelf life, and reduced losses.

Drawbacks of Traditional Potato Storage

Uneven Cooling: Storing potatoes in bags on multiple floors leads to uneven cooling, particularly in the interior of the bags causing quality deterioration over time.
Poor Airflow: Inadequate airflow in traditional storage units creates localized hotspots, which promote sprouting and spoilage.
Manual Handling: The manual stacking and retrieval of heavy bags is slow, incurs high labor costs, and increases the risk of product damage.
Bag storage is not suitable for industrial potatoes used for processing for frozen potato products and snack foods as Quality Control Standards are very high which cannot be met by traditional bag storages.

Modern Cold Storage Solutions

To address these challenges, modern cold storage solutions, such as bulk and box storages have been adopted. These advanced systems ensure uniform cooling critical for preserving the quality of potatoes.

Reduced Post-Harvest Losses: Modern storage methods help minimize spoilage and quality deterioration.
Improved Supply Chain Efficiency: By maintaining the quality of potatoes for longer periods, modern storage solutions enhance the overall efficiency of the supply chain.
Sustainability: Advanced storage technologies are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods.

While traditional potato storage methods remain prevalent in India, the shift towards modern, technologically advanced cold storage facilities offer a promising solution to the challenges faced by the industry. By adopting these advanced systems, India’s potato industry can significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure better quality produce for consumers. The transition to modern storage is not just a step forward in technology but also a leap towards sustainability and operational excellence.

Types of Modern Cold Storage Systems

Bulk Cold Storage

Potatoes are piled directly onto the chamber floor, typically 4.5-5 meters high.
Air circulation is maintained through perforated ducts beneath the potato heaps.
Optimized Airflow & Temperature Control for Advanced ventilation systems for uniform cooling and extended shelf life
Cost-effective as it requires no packaging like bags, bins, or crates.
Enables quick loading and unloading, making it ideal for large-scale industrial use.
Uses telescopic conveyor belts and a "space finder" for even loading and unloading.

Bin Cold Storage

A globally recognized and versatile storage method, suitable for storing potatoes, onions and carrots.
Produce is stored in durable wooden bins, stacked 5-6 layers high using forklifts or Reach trucks.
Provides better traceability and easy handling of stored products.
Allows multiple products in the same chamber under similar storage conditions.
Bins can be transported directly to fields for harvesting, reducing handling damage.
Unlike bulk storage, enables selective loading and unloading for greater operational efficiency.