JNPA signs Rs 285cr deal for agro processing facility

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has signed a concession agreement with a special purpose vehicle (SPV) floated by Trident Agrocom Exports and Man Infraconstruction for the development of an export-import-cum-domestic agricultural commodity-based processing and storage facility at JNPA.

"The project, valued at approximately Rs 285 crore, will be developed under the public private partnership (PPP) mode on a design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) model," says an official release from JNPA.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson, JNPA, said the signing of the agreement marks a significant step in enhancing port-led industrial development. "Since there is no integrated agro-based storage and processing facility in any Indian port currently, this project has been conceptualised as a first-of-its-kind facility and at par with global facilities which will strengthen agro-trade, create new business opportunities, and boost India's agricultural exports."

The proposed facility, planned on 27 acres of land at JNPA, is free from environmental clearance (EC) and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) constraints, the release added. "It is designed to handle approximately 1.2 million tonnes of agricultural commodities annually, ensuring efficient processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory testing to meet food safety and trade compliance standards. The facility will offer comprehensive storage solutions, including cold storage, pre-cooling, frozen storage, and dry warehouses under one roof, which will significantly reduce post-harvest losses."

The facility will cater to a diverse range of agricultural commodities including perishable goods like meat, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as non-perishable items such as non-basmati rice, maize, and marine products and spices, the release added.

"To support seamless logistics, the facility will also include an export packhouse, extensive loading and unloading zones, administrative facilities and green spaces for sustainability. Also to improve the overall efficiency of the facility and the port, facilities including custom clearances and food testing and certification are envisaged to be provided in the facility. This facility will also act as a local distribution hub for the domestic and the import agricultural commodities."

JNPA is developing an all-weather, deep-draft, greenfield port at Vadhvan in Maharashtra, which is poised to be among the top 10 ports globally, the release added.