Over 100 Nations, 500 Exhibitors to Join India Maritime Week from Oct 27–31
SYED BASHARAT
MUMBAI, Oct 6: In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir’s export sector, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s premier container port, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the J&K Government to facilitate efficient and speedy export routes for the Union Territory’s agricultural and handicraft products.
The interactive session was held between JNPA authorities and a visiting J&K Media Delegation, which is currently on a week-long visit to Mumbai sponsored by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) J&K. The session took place at the JNPA administrative block on Monday and witnessed a detailed exchange of ideas on trade connectivity and export facilitation.
During the interaction, a question posed by Kashmir Despatch drew attention to the possibility of linking J&K’s produce—such as apples, walnuts, and handicrafts—with JNPA’s world-class logistics and port network. Responding to the question, Ms. Ambika, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), JNPA, said the Authority is open to any constructive collaboration with the J&K Government aimed at addressing the economic aspirations of farmers, orchardists, and artisans from the region. “We will welcome any suggestions in this regard and are ready to sit with the Jammu and Kashmir authorities to explore possibilities based on their needs and demands,” Ms. Ambika said, adding that JNPA remains committed to supporting the country’s inland regions in achieving global trade access.
Present during the interactive session, Dr. G. Vaidyanathan, Chief Manager (PPD), JNPA, delivered a detailed presentation before the visiting media delegation. He highlighted JNPA’s infrastructure capabilities, ongoing expansion projects, and the port’s role in strengthening India’s logistics chain from the hinterlands to international markets.
Dr. Vaidyanathan elaborated on JNPA’s ambitious ₹285-crore Integrated Agro-Processing and Cold Storage Facility, the first of its kind in India. Spread over 27 acres within the JNPA complex, the facility is designed to handle around 1.2 million tonnes of agricultural commodities annually, offering 5,800 metric tonnes of cold storage, 1,800 metric tonnes of frozen storage, and 12,000 metric tonnes of dry warehousing capacity.
He explained that the facility aims to minimize post-harvest losses, ensure compliance with international quality standards, and provide exporters with modern infrastructure for sorting, packaging, testing, and processing of agro products. Dr. Vaidyanathan added that while the project primarily benefits farmers in Maharashtra and Gujarat, it is equally open to producers from other states — including Jammu and Kashmir — who seek reliable and time-efficient export logistics.
Mr. Kawthekar Shripad, Deputy General Manager (Traffic), JNPA, also interacted with the delegation and shared insights on the port’s cargo handling operations and efficiency measures. He said JNPA has consistently maintained its leadership position in container traffic management and is continuously upgrading its automation and tracking systems to ensure quicker turnaround time for exporters. He emphasized that such advancements would directly benefit inland states like Jammu and Kashmir once integrated transport linkages are established.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ambika briefed the delegation about India Maritime Week, saying that over 100 countries will participate in the event, which will host more than 500 exhibitors and feature over 200 global speakers. She said the event will run from October 27 to October 31, offering an unprecedented platform for industry stakeholders to engage in dialogue, innovation, and trade partnerships.
Ms. Ambika further emphasized that JNPA’s ongoing digitalization and multimodal connectivity under the Maritime India Vision 2030 are designed to strengthen India’s trade corridors from the hinterlands to global destinations.
The possibility of JNPA’s collaboration with J&K holds special importance for the region’s economy, as Kashmiri apples, walnuts, saffron, and handmade crafts often face delays and logistical bottlenecks that affect their competitiveness in export markets. Efficient port access through a modernized logistics chain could help the region’s producers fetch better prices and reduce wastage, especially of perishable goods.
Industry experts accompanying the media delegation noted that such collaborations could also encourage value addition and cold-chain development within J&K, aligning with the government’s vision of doubling farmer income and promoting local entrepreneurship.
If the proposed dialogue materializes, JNPA’s state-of-the-art agro facility could soon become a crucial gateway for Kashmir’s signature produce to reach global consumers faster, fresher, and more efficiently.
Ms Jaidevi Swami, Dy Director PIB Mumbai was also present during the interactive session with JNPA authorities.
