In the heartland of India’s agricultural prowess, a silent revolution is taking place that promises to transform the lives of farmers, retailers, and traders. Oorja Development Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. (ODSL) has pioneered an innovative approach to cold storage with Ecofrost Cold Room. Located near a bustling fruit and vegetable market in Samastipur, Bihar, Oorja’s cooling-as-a-service model is changing the game for fresh produce storage and distribution.
Cooling-as-a-Service: Empowering Agri-Entrepreneurs
At the forefront of this initiative stands Oorja Development Solutions India Pvt Ltd, a name synonymous with innovation and sustainable practices. ODSL operates on a unique “Cooling-as-a-Service” model, extending the benefits of their Ecofrost Cold Room to farmers, retailers, and traders. This service is a game-changer, enabling users to store their produce on a pay-per-use basis. The produce is stored until the optimal market conditions prevail, ensuring higher price realization and reduced wastage.
Ecofrost Cold Room: Where Quality Meets Innovation
The Ecofrost Cold Room, with a storage capacity of 5 metric tons, stands as a beacon of freshness and longevity for harvested produce. Situated strategically within 100 meters of the market, it offers convenience and accessibility to all stakeholders. The cold room is not just a storage space; it’s a guardian of quality. It allows farmers, retailers, and traders to preserve the value of their commodities until the time is right.
Farming for the Future: Empowering Farmers
For farmers, the Ecofrost Cold Room is nothing short of revolutionary. Imagine being able to extend the shelf life of your produce by up to 8.3 times while reducing wastage by a staggering 80 times. Mr.Rambabu Singh, a farmer who utilised the cold room, stored his cauliflower and witnessed an extraordinary 7.3 times increase in his profits. This technology doesn’t just store produce; it safeguards the livelihoods of those who bring food to our tables.
Retailers’ Resilience: Reducing Waste, Increasing Profits
Retailers, who are often caught in the struggle against time, find solace in the Ecofrost Cold Room. It is a lifeline for their unsold commodities, providing them with 1 to 3 days of extended freshness. By mitigating wastage, retailers like Mr. Abhishek Kumar, who stored pointed gourd (Parval) in the cold room, are witnessing a remarkable transformation. His waste losses plummeted by an astounding 80 times, painting a brighter financial picture.
Traders’ Triumph: Extending Profit Horizons
Traders, the conduits between producers and retailers, are experiencing a paradigm shift in their operations. The Ecofrost Cold Room allows them to increase the shelf life of their surplus commodities by 6 times and reduce wastage by 40 times. Mr. Vijay Kumar’s experience echoes this sentiment, as storing apples in the cold room led to a 3.3 times increase in his profits. This innovation elevates the entire supply chain, ensuring that everyone benefits from the bounty of the land.
Impact through Ecofrost Cold Room usage
Table 2: Impact of Ecofrost intervention on Cauliflower storage by farmer Mr. Rambabu Singh
| S. No. | Impact Metric | Before Ecofrost intervention | With Ecofrost intervention | Ecofrost Impact |
| 1 | Cauliflower Shelf life (days) | 3 | 25 | 8.3X increase in Shelf life |
| 2 | Average wastage of commodity (%) | 15 | 0-1 | 15X reduction in wastage |
| 3 | Rate/kg (INR) | 4 | 25 | 6.3X increase in selling price |
| 4 | Revenue (INR) (For each 100 kg of produce) | 340 | 2475 | 7.3X increase in profit |
Impact of Ecofrost intervention on Pointed Gourd storage by retailer Mr. Abhishek Kumar
| S. No. | Impact Metric | Before Ecofrost intervention | With Ecofrost intervention | Ecofrost Impact |
| 1 | Pointed gourd Shelf life (days) | 1-3 | 14 days in Ecofrost, retailers store for 1-3 days | NA |
| 2 | Average wastage of commodity (%) | 80 | 1 | 80X reduction in wastage |
| 3 | Rate/kg (INR) | 40 | 45 | 1.1X increase in selling price |
| 4 | Revenue (INR)(For each 100 kg of produce) | 800 | 4455 | 5.6X increase in profit |
Impact of Ecofrost intervention on Apple storage by trader Mr. Vijay Kumar
| S. No. | Impact Metric | Before Ecofrost intervention | With Ecofrost intervention | Ecofrost Impact |
| 1 | Apple Shelf life (days) | 8-10 | 45-60 | 6X increase in shelf life |
| 2 | Average wastage of commodity (%) | 30-40 | 0-1 | 40X reduction in wastage |
| 3 | Rate/kg (INR) | 40 | 80 | 2X increase in selling price |
| 4 | Revenue (INR)(For each 100 kg of produce) | 2400 | 7920 | 3.3X in profit |
A Win-Win Ecosystem: Nurturing Sustainability and Prosperity
The success of the Ecofrost Cold Room is not just measured in terms of produce preservation; it’s a testament to sustainable business practices. ODSL’s model doesn’t just benefit the end-users; it’s a source of revenue for them as well. By providing cooling-as-a-service, ODSL earns a monthly revenue ranging from INR 12,000 to INR 20,000. This circular economy not only supports the company but also uplifts the entire agricultural community.
In the bustling markets of Samastipur, Bihar, the Ecofrost Cold Room stands tall as a symbol of progress, sustainability, and shared prosperity. ODSL’s pioneering cooling-as-a-service model is a blueprint for innovation that holds the potential to transform the agricultural landscape across the nation. As we witness the transformation of produce storage, we also witness the transformation of lives – a true testament to the power of human ingenuity and collaboration.
