In a major initiative to enhance India’s agricultural export and import capabilities, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has given the green light to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for the development of an ‘Export-Import and Domestic Agricultural Commodity Processing and Storage Facility.’ This project, valued at Rs. 284.19 crore, aims to create a state-of-the-art agricultural facility at the port.
Sarbananda Sonowal: Objectives and Benefits of the Facility
The new facility will span 67,422 square meters and is designed to address inefficiencies in logistics, reduce multiple handling of goods, and extend the shelf life of agricultural products. By streamlining logistics, the facility is expected to empower farmers and exporters, improve pricing for agricultural goods, and foster rural development. Additionally, it aims to create jobs and stimulate demand within the agricultural sector.
Sarbananda Sonowal: Key Features of the Agricultural Facility
The JNPA facility will cater to the export of significant agricultural items, including non-basmati rice, maize, spices, onions, and wheat. It will also support exporters of frozen meat and marine products, enhancing the capabilities of small exporters in logistics, container booking, and cold chain logistics. The facility will include a frozen store with a capacity of 1,800 metric tonnes, a cold store of 5,800 metric tonnes, and dry warehouses for grains and cereals.
Sarbananda Sonowal: Alignment with Government Initiatives
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of empowering farmers and promoting rural development. It sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing India’s agricultural capabilities. The JNPA, being the first major 100% landlord port in India, is poised to play a crucial role in the country’s agricultural export landscape, further solidifying its position as a leading container port globally. The establishment of this facility is a testament to the government’s commitment to creating robust infrastructure that supports farmers and rural communities, ultimately contributing to the growth of India’s agricultural sector.
