The Maharashtra government has approved the development of an international-standard agro export hub at Dapchari in Dahanu taluka of Palghar district. The ambitious project aims to transform the state’s agricultural marketing ecosystem by providing farmers with direct access to domestic and global markets.
Spread across 558.43 hectares, the facility will be developed by the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB). The hub will be located around 40 kilometres from the upcoming Vadhvan Port, allowing seamless movement of agricultural produce for exports. The project is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s position as one of India’s leading agricultural export states while creating a modern logistics ecosystem for farmers and agri-businesses.
Inspired By Global Agricultural Markets
The proposed agro export hub will be developed on the lines of internationally renowned agricultural markets such as France’s Rungis Market, Royal FloraHolland in the Netherlands, and the logistics ecosystem surrounding the Port of Rotterdam.
The government plans to establish a three-tier agricultural marketing system comprising an international market, a nationally significant agricultural market, and Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). This integrated model is expected to modernise agricultural trading while improving transparency and efficiency.
World-Class Infrastructure For Farmers
The hub will house wholesale trading facilities, export and import infrastructure, cold storage units, warehousing, grading and packaging centres, quality testing laboratories, ripening chambers, container terminals, multimodal logistics facilities, railway connectivity, e-auction platforms, and an export facilitation centre.
These facilities are designed to minimise post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and help farmers secure better prices in both domestic and international markets. Advanced technology and efficient supply chain management are expected to make agricultural exports faster and more cost-effective.
Employment And Export Boost Expected
The project is expected to generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across logistics, processing, warehousing, transportation, and allied sectors. Improved connectivity with Vadhvan Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway, and Samruddhi Mahamarg is likely to reduce logistics costs significantly.
The government estimates the hub could reduce post-harvest losses and transportation costs by up to 20 percent while boosting exports of fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains, pulses, spices, and processed agricultural products.
Summary
Maharashtra has approved an international agro export hub in Palghar’s Dahanu to strengthen agricultural exports and improve farmer incomes. Equipped with world-class logistics, storage, testing, and export facilities, the project is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, generate over 10,000 jobs, enhance global market access, and establish Maharashtra as a leading agricultural export destination.
