India is set to make a groundbreaking advancement in its agricultural sector with the introduction of its first integrated agri-export facility at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai. This ambitious project aims to enhance efficiency in processing and exporting agricultural products, significantly boosting the nation’s export potential.
Approval and Investment
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has greenlighted the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)’s project for an export-import cum domestic agricultural commodity-based processing and storage facility.
The facility, to be developed in a private-public partnership (PPP) mode, involves an investment of Rs 284.19 crore. Spanning 67,422 square meters, this state-of-the-art facility will address logistics inefficiencies, reduce multiple handlings, and extend the shelf life of agricultural products.
Streamlining Logistics
“The development of this all-in-one agricultural facility at JNPA will streamline logistics, reduce wastages, and provide better prices for agricultural products. This is a significant step towards empowering our farmers and boosting India’s agricultural sector,” Sonowal stated on Friday.
Supporting Exporters
The facility will cater to exports of non-basmati rice, maize, spices, onion, and wheat, as well as frozen meat and marine products. Small exporters, in particular, will benefit from the improved logistics, container booking, cold chain logistics, and export operations.
The facility will include a frozen store of 1,800 metric tonnes, a cold store of 5,800 metric tonnes, and dry warehouses with a capacity of 12,000 metric tonnes for grains, cereals, and dry cargo.
Government Vision and Future Projects
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of empowering farmers and fostering rural development. JNPA is one of the leading container ports globally, ranking among the top 100 ports.
Additionally, the Ministry of Ports and Shipping is developing Vadhavan Port on the Maharashtra coast with an investment of about Rs 76,220 crore. Designed to handle 23 million TEUs or 254 million tons annually, this port will rank among the world’s top 10 largest ports once completed.
Enhancing Agricultural Trade
The integrated agri-export facility will feature cutting-edge technology for sorting, grading, and packaging agricultural products, maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Comprehensive cold storage solutions will preserve the freshness of perishable goods, extending their shelf life and ensuring optimal condition upon reaching international markets.
Located at one of India’s busiest ports, the facility will benefit from seamless connectivity, reducing transit times and logistics costs. This strategic location will provide a competitive edge for Indian agri-products in the global market.
Empowering Farmers
By integrating various functions related to agri-exports, the facility aims to increase efficiency and productivity, leading to a significant rise in India’s agricultural exports. This initiative will also support farmers by providing better access to export markets, helping them fetch better prices for their produce and encouraging modern agricultural practices.
A Transformative Impact
The introduction of this integrated agri-export facility marks a crucial step towards modernizing India’s agricultural sector, making it more competitive on the global stage. With advanced technology, strategic location, and a focus on quality, this facility is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian agri-exports, creating new opportunities for growth and benefiting the economy.
