Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 13: In a strategic push to reposition Jammu & Kashmir as a stronger player in the national agri-supply chain, the Union Government has initiated action to establish a Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Jammu – a move expected to transform the Union Territory into a key distribution gateway for high-value horticultural produce.
The development was revealed in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur, in response to an Unstarred Question raised by Member of Parliament Sat Paul Sharma.
Unlike conventional storage projects, the proposed logistics park is envisioned as an integrated multimodal hub linking road and rail infrastructure. By centralizing cargo aggregation, warehousing and transportation systems, the MMLP aims to reduce supply chain fragmentation and position Jammu as a strategic transit point for apples, saffron and walnuts moving to major consumption markets across India.
Officials indicated that the initiative is part of a broader coordinated approach involving the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and the Ministry of Railways to enhance multimodal connectivity and last-mile access. Improved logistics efficiency is expected to not only reduce transit time but also strengthen J&K’s competitiveness in domestic markets.
The move comes against the backdrop of long-standing concerns over infrastructure bottlenecks that limit the full commercial potential of the Union Territory’s horticulture sector. Delays in transportation and inadequate integrated handling facilities have often led to quality deterioration and reduced price realization.
Complementary support is being extended under schemes such as the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to strengthen cold chain and post-harvest infrastructure.
Projects under these schemes are typically implemented within 12 to 24 months, subject to approvals and financial closure.
With horticulture forming the backbone of J&K’s rural economy, the proposed logistics park is being viewed as a structural intervention – one that could enhance supply chain efficiency, attract private investment and elevate the Union Territory’s role in India’s agri-logistics network.
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