"We aim to expand climate-aligned infrastructure in communities where regular sourcing relationships already exist"

In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview with Rajesh Jain, Co-founder of Ayekart and Ayekart RISE Foundation, the SUGAM-CSS programme is highlighted as a strategic extension of the foundation's mission to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen rural livelihoods through renewable energy-powered micro cold storage.

- Suchetana Choudhury

By combining infrastructure with strong buyer networks, digital demand forecasting, and market linkages, the initiative enables farmers and FPOs to store produce, access better markets, and improve price realisation. Jain emphasises that financial innovation, including blended finance, is critical for scaling adoption among startups and FPOs, especially in diverse agricultural ecosystems like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Beyond economic benefits, the programme contributes to climate resilience, sustainable farming practices, and rural employment, fostering inclusive and low-carbon agricultural value chains across India. Edited excerpts:

How does the SUGAM-CSS programme align with Ayekart RISE Foundation's broader mission of strengthening rural livelihoods and building sustainable agricultural value chains in India?

This programme is a natural extension of our mission to strengthen rural livelihoods and build resilient agricultural value chains. One of the most persistent yet overlooked challenges in agriculture is post-harvest value loss. Smallholders often sell early due to a lack of storage and market access. By bringing green micro cold storage closer to farms and integrating it with technology, partnerships, and market linkages, we enable farmers, women entrepreneurs, and FPOs to make informed selling decisions. The initiative strengthens incomes, reduces losses, and builds a more inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem where communities prosper with dignity.

How do distributed renewable energy-powered micro cold storage solutions help address post-harvest losses while simultaneously improving income stability for smallholder farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)?