Thane to Host Multi-Modal Agri-Export Hub: Boost for Farmers & Economy

• A multi-modal hub and terminal market is being established in Bapgaon, Bhiwandi taluka, Thane district, to facilitate the export of fruits and vegetables.
• The Maharashtra Cabinet approved providing approximately 7 hectares of land to the State Agricultural Marketing Board for this project.
• Funded with 98.66 crore rupees under the Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (SMART) project, a joint venture of the World Bank and Maharashtra government.
• The hub will handle one lakh tons of agricultural produce annually, offering facilities like vapor heat treatment, irradiation, pack houses, and storage.
• It aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve produce quality, bring traders and exporters together, and boost foreign exchange earnings through increased exports.

Why It Matters: Thane's new multi-modal agri-export hub will significantly boost agricultural exports, benefiting farmers and the economy.