Ayekart Rise Foundation (ARISE) and cKinetics have entered into a strategic partnership under the Scaling Up of Green Agri-focused Micro Cold Storage Solutions (SUGAM-CSS) programme to strengthen market linkages and improve the long-term sustainability of green micro cold storage systems in Maharashtra.
The collaboration was announced at the India State Climate Investment Forum 2026 during a roundtable focused on blended finance models for improving community livelihoods and health outcomes through distributed renewable energy. Speaking at the forum, Debarshi Dutta, Director of Ayekart Rise Foundation and CEO of Ayekart, said the initiative is aimed at building clean, decentralised cooling infrastructure at the first mile of the fruits and vegetables value chain.
The SUGAM-CSS programme seeks to curb post-harvest losses and boost farmer incomes through an integrated approach that combines infrastructure deployment, innovative financing for start-ups and young Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and strong market access support.
As part of the partnership, Arise will serve as the market-linkage partner for SUGAM-CSS-enabled micro cold storage units in Maharashtra. Using Ayekart’s extensive buyer network, the foundation will connect farmers, FPOs and rural entrepreneurs with organised buyers such as aggregators, processors, organised retail chains, quick commerce platforms and exporters. The move is expected to enhance asset utilisation, improve price realisation and create predictable demand for stored produce.
In addition to Maharashtra, Arise will also support the expansion of green micro cold storage solutions in Uttar Pradesh, extending the programme’s footprint across major horticulture clusters.
Upendra Bhatt, Managing Director of cKinetics, said assured market access is critical to keeping renewable-powered micro cold storage financially viable. He added that the partnership is designed to improve utilisation levels and revenue stability, helping scale climate-aligned and sustainable agricultural solutions.