Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, India’s second busiest container gateway, has called bids from private investors to build an export-import cum domestic agricultural commodity-based processing and storage facility as it aims to enhance the shelf life and quality of export agricultural produce and increase the quantum of Indian’s agricultural exports.

The proposed facility will be 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 will 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 for optimal temperature management crucial for preserving product freshness and quality; pre-cooling facilities for preparing perishable goods for transport, and maintaining their integrity throughout the journey; frozen storage to accommodate goods requiring deep freeze conditions to preserve texture, taste, and nutritional value; and dry warehouses for providing secure storage solutions for non-perishable goods, safeguarding them from environmental factors.

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.