In a strategic push to strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s position in the national agri-supply chain, the Union Government has initiated action to establish a Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Jammu. The proposed facility is expected to transform the Union Territory into a major distribution gateway for high-value horticultural produce.
The development was disclosed 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 MMLP is envisioned as an integrated multimodal hub linking road and rail infrastructure. By centralising cargo aggregation, warehousing and transportation systems, the park 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 forms part of a 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 reduce transit time, minimise post-harvest losses and improve price realisation for growers.
The move comes against the backdrop of persistent infrastructure bottlenecks that have constrained the full commercial potential of the Union Territory’s horticulture sector. Delays in transportation and the lack of integrated handling facilities have often resulted in quality deterioration and reduced competitiveness.
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 generally 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 that could enhance supply chain efficiency, attract private investment and elevate the Union Territory’s role in India’s agri-logistics network.
