Amitabh Kumar on the future of shipping infrastructure and agricultural exports from India
On how suitable India's existing ports are for handling agricultural exports, especially given the short shelf life of perishable crops, Amitabh Kumar, Former Director General of Shipping, said, "...The ports are geared to take care of the perishable commodities. The perishable commodities typically require refrigerated containers. This requires planning because the Refrigerated containers are to be sourced by the shipping companies...Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust has recently decided to set up a container terminal for agricultural exports, especially perishable exports, which is to come up in a year's time. That will provide a specialised terminal for exporting fruits, vegetables..."
"...We already have sufficient capacity to handle exports and imports from India. The big ports will also bring in efficiency and cost advantages of having big ships on our shores. So, the logistics side would be prepared for any increase in exports, both agricultural and non-agricultural, from Indian shores."
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