Study of model demonstration unit of a modern supply chain for fresh vegetables in the Ahmedabad area

The study attempts to evolve a quality oriented system to deliver vegetables of better and specified quality to consumers at prices comparable to local vendors and also ensure that growers who join the new system get better returns. Vegetable Treatment Unit was developed under the project where basic post harvest operation such as sorting, washing, cleaning, trimming, grading and packaging in consumer pack were done. The result of one year of operation of the VTU showed that quality oriented supply chain is a viable business provided techniques of working, cleaning, etc. are done manually or with simple machine developed for the VTU under the project. Although profit per unit of sale reduced due to added cost of treatment, but increase in scale of operations enables more earning to make it sustainable. The model has been adopted by some entrepreneurs and there is scope of scaling-up operations and launch larger units in cities. The system adds value and improves quality by simple technology, generates employment and has low investment and operational costs.