The Jammu and Kashmir Government has proposed granting “industry status” to the logistics sector under a draft policy aimed at reducing high transportation costs and minimising post-harvest losses of agricultural and horticultural produce.
The announcement was made in the Assembly in response to a starred question by Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who raised concerns over the absence of a structured dry port policy and its impact on the export competitiveness of key products such as apples, walnuts, and almonds.
Replying to the query, Industries and Commerce Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the draft policy proposes extending “industry status” to logistics, enabling projects in the sector to access benefits under the Industrial Policy once formally notified.
He noted that the policy is in its final stages following public consultations and is designed to address critical gaps in the Union Territory’s logistics ecosystem. “Efficient logistics infrastructure is essential for improving export competitiveness of industrial goods as well as horticultural and agricultural produce,” the minister said.
Instead of announcing a dedicated dry port policy, the government outlined a broader infrastructure framework. The draft includes provisions for establishing Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Container Freight Stations (CFSs), lorry terminals, and Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), all equipped with customs clearance facilities.
The policy also specifies infrastructure standards and operational definitions for logistics facilities, including ICDs, CFSs, and Air Freight Stations, ensuring clarity in development and compliance.
To tackle post-harvest losses, the draft emphasises cold-chain integration, covering Controlled Atmosphere storage, blast freezing units, refrigerated transport, and modern warehousing for perishable goods. It also proposes customs-linked operations with bonded warehousing under regulatory oversight.
Encouraging private investment, the policy promotes public-private partnership (PPP) models for developing logistics infrastructure, including green logistics initiatives and improved connectivity.
On location-specific development, particularly in South Kashmir’s Dooru area of Anantnag, the government clarified that no sites have been identified so far. Infrastructure projects will be finalised based on feasibility, demand, and commercial viability, with a mix of public and private participation.
Once notified, the policy is expected to strengthen supply chains, reduce logistics costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of trade and exports from the Union Territory.
