Ayekart RISE Foundation (ARISE) and cKinetics have announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving the scalability and long-term viability of green micro cold storage solutions in Maharashtra. The collaboration was unveiled at the India State Climate Investment Forum (ISCIF) 2026.
The initiative falls under the Scaling Up of Green Agri-focused Micro Cold Storage Solutions (SUGAM-CSS) programme, which focuses on strengthening clean, distributed cooling infrastructure at the first mile of the fruits and vegetables value chain.
Speaking during a roundtable on blended finance and distributed renewable energy, Debarshi Dutta, Director at Ayekart RISE Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Ayekart, said the programme seeks to reduce post-harvest losses while improving farmer incomes. He noted that SUGAM-CSS combines infrastructure deployment, innovative financing to improve access for start-ups and relatively young Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and stronger market connectivity.
Under the partnership, Ayekart RISE Foundation will act as the market-linkage partner for SUGAM-CSS-enabled micro cold storage units in Maharashtra. By leveraging Ayekart’s buyer network, the foundation will connect farmers, FPOs and rural entrepreneurs with organised buyers, including aggregators, processors, organised retail players, quick commerce platforms and exporters.
The goal is to improve asset utilisation, strengthen price realisation and create more predictable demand for produce handled through the micro cold storage network.
The foundation will also support implementation of the programme in Uttar Pradesh, extending the partnership’s reach to additional horticulture clusters.
Upendra Bhatt, Managing Director of cKinetics, said reliable market access is critical for ensuring the long-term viability of renewable-powered micro cold storage. He added that the collaboration is expected to enhance utilisation levels and revenue potential, enabling wider deployment.
The partnership reflects a broader push to integrate distributed renewable energy solutions with market access to deliver sustainable climate and livelihood outcomes at scale.
