Tropical Agrosystem (India) has expanded the distribution of SmartFresh InBox, a post-harvest solution developed by U.S.-based AgroFresh Inc., to help reduce food waste and enhance produce shelf life across India’s agricultural value chain. The technology utilizes 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a plant growth regulator that delays fruit ripening by inhibiting ethylene, the natural hormone that accelerates spoilage. Delivered in sachet form, SmartFresh InBox is applied directly into cartons of fresh produce, allowing for immediate shipment without reliance on cold storage or ripening chambers.

Approved for use on apples in India, the solution is currently undergoing field trials on other fruits including grapes, guava, sapota, pomegranate, and custard apple. Globally, the technology has demonstrated efficacy on a wide range of fruits and vegetables such as pears, plums, kiwifruit, melons, tomatoes, and broccoli.

By enabling freshness management without the need for energy-intensive infrastructure, the solution supports both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. The sachets are available in packs of 250, with dosage variants of 0.625 grams and 1.25 grams to suit varying box sizes and produce loads.

The expansion is part of Tropical Agrosystem’s larger strategy to provide scalable post-harvest innovations that reduce loss across India’s fragmented supply chains. This move builds on the company’s broader sustainability efforts under its ‘SawalKalKaHai’ campaign, which champions responsible farming practices and resource-efficient technologies.

The collaboration with AgroFresh also leverages Tropical Agrosystem’s extensive market presence and farmer network, ensuring that SmartFresh InBox can reach diverse geographies and crop segments. By minimizing waste and extending produce quality, the partnership delivers a practical solution to one of India’s most pressing agricultural challenges.