New Delhi, April 16: A delegation of agri and horticulture exporters from Jammu and Kashmir raised concerns over rising logistics costs and export-related challenges during a meeting with Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan.
The delegation, led by Bashir Ahmad Naik, President of the Jammu & Kashmir Fruits & Vegetable Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA), held detailed discussions with the minister on issues affecting exporters across the country, particularly those operating under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme.
According to a statement issued by JKPICCA, the association submitted a comprehensive representation highlighting key challenges, including a sharp escalation in freight charges—reported to have increased by up to 600 percent—along with the imposition of multiple unregulated ancillary costs. The delegation also pointed to logistical disruptions arising from global developments and procedural complexities impacting exporters’ ability to meet obligations under the EPCG Scheme.
The issues, the statement noted, are significantly affecting the viability of agri-exports, especially in the cold chain and perishable goods sectors, where timely delivery and cost efficiency are critical.
The Union Minister took note of the concerns and acknowledged their impact on exporters, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir. He assured the delegation that the matter would be examined on priority and that necessary policy and regulatory interventions would be considered.
Chauhan also emphasized that the government would take steps to safeguard and promote the interests of exporters nationwide, with special focus on stakeholders from Jammu and Kashmir engaged in agriculture and horticulture exports.
JKPICCA, in its statement, expressed gratitude to the minister for his “patient hearing” and proactive approach, adding that it remains hopeful that the concerns raised will translate into concrete measures to ease operational and financial pressures on exporters.
The association reiterated the need for timely policy support to strengthen India’s agri-export ecosystem amid evolving global trade challenges.
