The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has signed a Concession Agreement for PPPs in Agro-Processing Facility with a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by Trident Agrocom Exports Private Limited and Man Infraconstruction Limited. This strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, valued at Rs. 285 Crores, will establish India’s first integrated agro-processing and storage facility at JNPA. The 27-acre facility will be developed under the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
With a capacity to handle 1.2 million tonnes of agricultural commodities annually, this facility will transform India’s agro-trade infrastructure. No Indian port currently has an integrated agro-based processing and storage facility. This initiative bridges that gap by aligning with global best practices, enhancing food security, and reducing post-harvest losses. The facility will include cold storage, pre-cooling, frozen storage, and dry warehousing. These solutions will reduce waste, improve product longevity, and meet global food safety standards.
Agricultural exports are vital to India’s economy, generating over $50 billion annually. However, poor storage and logistics lead to 15-20% post-harvest losses. JNPA’s agro-processing hub will improve efficiency with automated sorting, packing, and laboratory testing. These features will ensure compliance with international trade rules and boost market access.
This facility will support perishable commodities such as meat, fruits, and vegetables, alongside non-perishables like rice, maize, and spices. Modern preservation techniques will maintain product freshness during transport and storage. The facility will serve as a crucial link between domestic markets and global exports, streamlining the supply chain and reducing reliance on traditional storage methods.
This agro-based processing hub aligns with JNPA’s goal to become a global logistics hub. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson of JNPA, emphasized that this facility will promote port-led industrial growth, new business opportunities, and India’s agricultural trade competitiveness. It will integrate export packhouses, loading zones, and administrative facilities to streamline logistics.
India’s agricultural exports are increasing, and this facility will further facilitate agro-product movement via coastal shipping. On-site custom clearance and food testing laboratories will speed up export processes. Sustainability measures, including green spaces, will help reduce the facility’s environmental footprint in alignment with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play a key role in infrastructure growth, particularly in port-led zones. The collaboration between JNPA and private investors highlights the importance of PPPs in Agro-Processing Facility development. Over 60% of India’s port projects now operate under the PPP model.
The DBFOT model ensures that private investors bring financial and operational expertise while the government maintains regulatory oversight. This method has succeeded in logistics parks, container terminals, and bulk cargo handling. Encouraging private sector participation in PPPs in Agro-Processing Facility projects accelerates economic growth, generates employment, and boosts trade competitiveness.
With the Letter of Award issued in December 2024, this facility is set to become operational in the coming years. India faces Rs. 92,000 Crores in annual post-harvest losses. By introducing modern storage and processing technology, the facility will help farmers and exporters achieve better pricing and higher incomes.
This project’s success may lead to similar PPP-driven agro-processing facilities at other ports, reinforcing India’s agricultural export leadership. It aligns with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, which aims to modernize food processing infrastructure. JNPA’s role in port-driven agro-logistics marks a major step in strengthening India’s supply chain and global trade footprint.
