Agriculture remains the cornerstone of global food security and rural livelihoods. With the world population approaching 9 billion by 2038, 1 there is increasing demand for efficient food systems that reduce waste and protect the quality of produce throughout the supply chain.
Yet despite technological advances and policy efforts, a significant portion of harvested crops never reach consumers in optimal quality or consumable condition. These post-harvest losses, occurring between harvest and final consumption, represent a systemic challenge with economic, social and environmental consequences for farmers, supply chains and national food security.
Current scenario of post-harvest losses
Post-harvest losses occur at several stages: immediately after harvest in the field, during storage, and when the produce moves through the distribution network to retail. Recent figures underline the magnitude of this issue. As one of the world’s leading agricultural producers, India experiences post-harvest losses of about 15 percent in horticulture, which means about 15 million tonnes of produce is lost annually.
For perishable commodities such as vegetables and fruits, losses can exceed 30–40%, caused by sub-optimal temperature control, mechanical damage and microbial spoilage.3 In cereals and major crops, losses are primarily due to inadequate storage conditions, including moisture fluctuations that invite fungal growth and pest infestation, leading to increased economic losses for growers and supply chain stakeholders.
Emerging infrastructure and policy responses
Recognizing the structural nature of this challenge, governments and industry actors are investing in cold chain and storage infrastructure. India’s Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure Scheme has approved hundreds of projects that collectively create millions of tonnes of temperature-controlled storage capacity. These investments are complemented by upgraded pack houses, reefer vans and ripening chambers, improving the ability to preserve quality from farm gate to market.
India has set a bold target of reducing post-harvest losses in horticulture to less than 5% by 2047, a significant reduction from the current estimate of 15%.4 Achieving this will require widespread deployment of cold chain solutions and digital monitoring systems that maintain optimal conditions during storage and transit.
Modern storage technologies and management practices
Cold storage alone does not guarantee maintaining quality. Effective storage integrates climate control for temperature and humidity, as well as real-time monitoring to prevent quality degradation. IoT-based sensors and machine-to-cloud platforms enable automated alerts when conditions exceed acceptable limits, reducing reliance on manual inspection and streamlining corrective actions. Heat-treated wood pallets demonstrate proven performance in extreme temperature conditions, including storage at -20°C. The testing confirms structural stability and consistent load-carrying capacity throughout the cold-chain, addressing a critical factor in pharmaceutical logistics where pallet flexibility directly impacts product integrity during transit.
Additionally, proper handling protocols utilize gentle loading and unloading techniques, and sub-optimal exposure to ambient conditions, minimizing mechanical damage and delaying the physical degradation that accelerates spoilage.
The strategic role of wood pallets in supply chain integrity
Within the broader logistics system, tools like wood pallets may seem unremarkable, but they have a significant impact on quality protection and regulatory compliance. Wooden pallets provide a durable platform that distributes load evenly and supports mechanized handling, reducing physical stress on packaging and its contents during storage and movement.
However, untreated wood can contain pests, mold, and moisture that can compromise production quality and trigger regulatory restrictions. Thus, compliance with ISPM-15 (International Standard for Phytosanitary Measurements No. 15) is required. This global standard requires that wood packaging materials, such as pallets, be debarked and heat treated to eliminate harmful organisms, making them suitable for domestic and international use.
Heat-treated pallets have obvious benefits: they reduce moisture content, resist fungal and insect infestations, and support hygiene requirements in cold chain environments. Recent industry data indicates that the global heat-treated wood pallets market is expanding significantly, including regulatory compliance and low rates of shipment damage and customs delays.
Selecting pallets from responsibly managed sources also supports sustainability goals. A high proportion of wood pallets are reused or recycled across multiple supply cycles, and sustainably sourced wood aligns with circular economy principles in logistics. Quality pallets are defined by their structural strength and low breakage rates, ensuring consistent performance and reduced risk in demanding supply chains.
maintaining integrity in transportation
Transportation is a critical link where quality can deteriorate rapidly if conditions fluctuate or are delayed. Refrigerated trucks and reefer containers must maintain stable temperatures and protect produce from shock and vibration. The integration of GPS tracking and real-time telemetry supports dynamic route optimization, minimizing delays and avoiding conditions that reduce shelf life.
Digital logistics platforms can also improve coordination between aggregators, carriers and buyers, allowing fresh produce to reach markets faster and reducing the time goods spend in non-refrigerated staging areas.
the way forward
Reducing post-harvest losses requires an integrated, systems-based approach where storage, handling, packaging and transportation work together seamlessly. Investments in infrastructure such as cold storage, real-time monitoring and heat-treated, ISPM-15 wood pallets are necessary to maintain quality, maintain hygiene and meet regulatory standards. Technology alone is insufficient; Consistent practices, standardization and accountability are key in the supply chain.
With increasing policy support, private sector investment and awareness among producers and logistics players, the opportunity to reduce losses while extending shelf life is significant. Protecting produce is an economic and environmental priority, ensuring better returns for farmers, stronger supply chain resilience and delivering high quality food to consumers with minimal waste.
The author is CEO and Managing Partner of M/s J Wood Industries
Published on February 28, 2026
