<p data-path-to-node="5">In a major boost to India's perishable supply chains and agricultural exports, the <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="99">Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)</b> has unveiled plans for the nation's first port-based <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="191">Export-Import cum Domestic Agricultural Commodity Processing and Storage Facility</b>. Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) basis at an estimated cost of <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="412">₹285 crore ($34 million)</b>, the multi-modal facility aims to streamline logistics, reduce post-harvest wastage, and extend product shelf life.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">Spanning <b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="9">27 acres (67,422 square meters)</b> within the port area, the integrated facility is designed to handle up to <b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="115">1.2 million tonnes of agricultural commodities annually</b>, catering to produce from key farming belts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Northern India.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Addressing Multi-Handling Inefficiencies to Support High-Value Agri Exports</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The state-of-the-art facility integrates comprehensive processing, cold chain, and testing capabilities directly within the port domain:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Comprehensive Cold Chain &amp; Storage Matrix:</b> To accommodate diverse temperature-sensitive and dry cargoes, the facility features a <b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="129">1,800 MT frozen store</b>, a <b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="154">5,800 MT cold storage unit</b>, pre-cooling systems, and <b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="207">12,000 MT of dry warehousing capacity</b> for grains, spices, and pulses.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">On-Site Testing &amp; Compliance:</b> The facility will feature an export packhouse, automated sorting and grading units, and on-site laboratory testing facilities to facilitate customs clearance and food safety compliance under one roof.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Empowering Small Exporters:</b> As India's primary ocean gateway for frozen meat and marine exports, the port-based hub will allow tier-2 and tier-3 exporters to consolidate small shipments, access specialized reefer plug points, and manage container bookings with reduced dwell times.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Streamlining Primary EXIM Commodities:</b> The hub will process key agricultural export lines including non-basmati rice, maize, onions, spices, and wheat while serving as a domestic distribution center for imported agricultural commodities and fruits.</p></li></ul>