Tropical Agro rolls out post-harvest solution for farmers
Srinagar, Sep 11: Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd. has launched SmartFresh™ InBox, a cutting-edge post-harvest solution from AgroFresh Inc., USA, aimed at reducing fruit and vegetable losses during storage and transport. With over 30% of India’s produce wasted before reaching consumers, the technology promises to extend freshness and improve profitability for farmers and supply chain players.
SmartFresh™ InBox uses 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a plant growth regulator that delays ripening by blocking ethylene, a hormone responsible for fruit softening and spoilage.
Tropical Agro is currently the only company in India registered to use 1-MCP. The sachets can be placed directly into produce boxes at farms, warehouses, ports, or during transit, eliminating waiting periods and minimising delays.
Currently approved for apples in India, trials are underway for other fruits and vegetables. Globally, the solution has been successfully applied to apples, pears, plums, kiwifruit, grapes, tomatoes, and melons, among others. Beyond extending shelf life, SmartFresh™ InBox reduces reliance on cold storage, optimizes space, and supports sustainability by lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions.
- Venkatasubramanian, General Manager – Post Harvest Business, Tropical Agro, said, “This partnership empowers farmers and the agri-supply chain with a scalable freshness solution to optimize resources and maximize returns.” Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Kundu, AgroFresh Inc., USA, added, “India is a key market, and we are excited to bring our proven post-harvest technologies to farmers across the country.”
SmartFresh™ InBox is available in 250-sachet packs with two dosage variants, catering to different produce volumes and handling needs. The rollout aligns with Tropical Agro’s #SawalKalKaHai campaign promoting sustainable farming and responsible consumption.
