Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has signed a Concession Agreement with a consortium comprising Trident Agrocom Exports and Man Infraconstruction to develop an agricultural commodity-based processing and storage facility at the port. The project, valued at INR 285 crore, is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model.
A Major Initiative for Agrotrade and Export Growth
The proposed facility will span 27 acres within JNPA and is free from Environmental Clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) constraints. Designed to handle approximately 1.2 million tonnes of agricultural commodities annually, it will provide a comprehensive range of services, including processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory testing to ensure food safety and trade compliance. The facility will serve Maharashtra and other states, strengthening the agricultural trade network.
Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA, stated that the agreement marks a crucial step in port-led industrial development.
“This initiative will create new business opportunities, enhance agricultural exports, and improve trade efficiency. With no integrated agro-based storage and processing facility currently available at any Indian port, the project aims to meet international standards and bolster India’s position in the global agricultural trade sector.”
Comprehensive Infrastructure and Advanced Technology
The facility will offer integrated storage solutions, including cold storage, pre-cooling, frozen storage, and dry warehouses, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring high-quality preservation of agricultural produce. It will cater to both perishable goods such as meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables, as well as non-perishable commodities including non-basmati rice, maize, marine products, and spices.
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Modern preservation techniques, shelf-life enhancement methods, and automated processing systems will be incorporated to maintain product quality and minimize losses during storage and transit. The facility will also house an export packhouse, extensive loading and unloading zones, administrative offices, and green spaces to support sustainable operations. Additionally, services such as customs clearance, food testing, and certification will be available to streamline export processes.
JNPA Strengthening India’s Agricultural Supply Chain
In December 2024, JNPA issued the Letter of Award to the consortium partners. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, ensure compliance with food safety regulations, and boost agricultural exports. By facilitating the movement of agricultural commodities through coastal routes, the facility will act as a key distribution hub for both domestic and imported goods.
The project has received approval from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, further reinforcing its strategic importance in enhancing India’s agro-trade capabilities. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and streamlined logistics, the facility is set to play a vital role in optimizing agricultural supply chains and supporting India’s growing export market.
