Sarbananda Sonowal Greenlights Rs 284.19 Crore Agri-Export Facility at JNPT

Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has approved an integrated agri-export facility worth Rs 284.19 crore at Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai. This initiative aims to tackle logistical inefficiencies, extend the shelf life of agricultural products, and empower small farmers and exporters. It will significantly increase the port’s export capacity.

Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has sanctioned a Rs 284.19 crore project to establish an integrated agri-export facility at Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, announced an official statement on Friday.

The facility, the first of its kind in India, aims to mitigate logistical inefficiencies, minimize redundant handling, and extend the shelf life of agricultural products. It promises to empower farmers, create new job opportunities, and enhance export capabilities.

The facility is expected to mainly handle exports of non-basmati rice, maize, spices, onion, and wheat. Given Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority's role as a key gateway for frozen meat and marine products, the project will also aid exporters from regions far from Mumbai.

Small-scale exporters will particularly benefit from improved logistics, container booking, cold chain logistics, and export operations through this port-based facility. The expanded export capacity includes a frozen store of 1,800 metric tonne, a cold store of 5,800 metric tonne, and dry warehouses with a capacity of 12,000 metric tonne for grains, cereals, and other dry cargo.

JNPA, a major port in Maharashtra, stands out as the country's first 100 percent landlord port, with all berths managed under a PPP model.

(With inputs from agencies.)