About Us

The State Govt. of Haryana, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham (UoB) led consortium of universities (UK and European universities), Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), United Kingdom, and the United for Efficiency–United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has initiated the establishment of a state-of-the-art, first-of-its-kind Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management & Cold-Chain (CoE-SPMCC) in Panchkula, Haryana.

The centre aims to support the development of necessary infrastructure and best practices within the farm-to-market supply chain. It is dedicated to developing a comprehensive national framework focused on sustainable PHM practices, guidelines and protocols with the primary goal of curbing horticultural produce wastage following a system-of-systems approach. Within this, the CoE will assess present needs and prepare for the future requirements of a sustainable cold-chain.

Key Sub-objectives

• Comprehensive and state-of-the-art research and cold-chain design, including energy transition
• Successful business model and incubating start-ups and a centre to facilitate cold-chain development
• Demonstration of the best available technology, conduct and facilitate high-quality R&D
• Enhance capacity and raise awareness among stakeholders including Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

This CoE, based on systems-of-systems and the Hub and SPOKE (Specialised Outreach and Knowledge Establishment) model, will focus on reducing post-harvest losses, economically enhancing farmers, and building resilience while minimising environmental impact.

To achieve this, CoE-SPMCC will lead the development of national guidelines and protocols, set up in-house testing facilities, demonstrate low-GWP refrigeration and energy-efficient systems, improve PHM approaches, and conduct capacity-building and awareness-raising through tailor-made trainings, technology demonstrations, business model development, and facilitation of innovators and start-ups.