JNPA gets approval for agri processing, storage facility at port

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) received approval from the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal for the development of export-import cum domestic agricultural commodity-based processing & storage facility at JNPA on July 19th, 2024.

The project, estimated at ₹285 crore, will be executed in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode and Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model.

This is India's first one-of-its-kind facility provided by JN Port.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, JNPA, said, “Following the theme laid by the ministry about the ‘port-led development’ and JNPA’s efforts for ‘Port led industrialisation’ we are developing Domestic Agricultural Commodity based Processing & Storage Facility. The primary objective of the project is to mitigate wastage due to multiple handling, and unhygienic storage and extend the shelf life of a variety of produce. This initiative aligns with our aim to create a comprehensive port ecosystem.”

The proposed facility is planned on 27 acres of land and is designed to provide comprehensive services including processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory facilities, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring compliance with food safety and trade regulations and shall cater to the agricultural commodities not only of Maharashtra but also of other states such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The export infrastructure is strategically designed to include essential facilities such as: Cold Storage, Pre-cooling Facilities, Frozen Storage and Dry Warehouses.

On the import side, the facility will mirror these capabilities with dedicated frozen and cold storage options, along with dry warehouses, ensuring seamless handling and storage solutions for imported goods.

With advanced technology and efficient processing and preservation techniques, the facility is poised to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, thereby positively impacting the entire agricultural supply chain.