(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
Mumbai, March 12, 2025: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s Best Performing Port, has signed the Concession Agreement with SPV floated by M/s Trident Agrocom Exports Private Limited and M/s Man Infraconstruction Limited (Consortium) for the development of an Export-Import cum Domestic Agricultural Commodity-Based Processing and Storage Facility at JNPA. The project, valued at approximately RS285 Crores, will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson of JNPA, stated that the signing of this agreement marks a significant step in enhancing port-led industrial development. Chairman highlighted that since there is no integrated agro-based storage and processing facility in any Indian port currently, this project has been conceptualized as 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. He further reaffirmed JNPA’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure to strengthen the logistics and supply chain ecosystem.

The proposed first of its kind state-of-the-art facility, planned on 27 acres of land at JNPA, is free from Environmental Clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) constraints. 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. It 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 facility will leverage advances technology, including shelf life enhancement techniques, modern preservation methods, and automated processing systems to ensure optimal quality, reduce post harvest and transit losses and enhance the efficiency of agricultural trade. 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.

In December 2024, JNPA issued the Letter of Award to M/s Trident Agrocom Exports Private Limited and M/s Man Infraconstruction Limited (Consortium). This landmark initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing post-harvest losses, ensuring food safety compliance, and boosting agricultural exports, thereby strengthening India’s global agricultural trade. This facility will also promote movement of agricultural commodities through coastal routes.