J&K’s ₹1,400-crore cold chain sector gets relief as EPCG issue gets resolved

Ziraat Times News Desk

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Fruits & Vegetable Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) has welcomed the resolution of the long-pending Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) issue concerning cold storage, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage and allied post-harvest infrastructure projects in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Association thanked Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal and the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and his office for their timely intervention in resolving the matter, particularly ahead of the 2026 apple harvest season.

JKPICCA President Bashir Ahmad Naik said the issue had been repeatedly raised with the concerned authorities as several project proponents had already committed substantial investments and initiated procurement arrangements for specialised imported machinery required for CA storage and other post-harvest facilities.

In its latest representation to the DGFT on August 11, JKPICCA highlighted that pending EPCG authorisations were directly linked to the timely import, customs clearance, transportation, installation and commissioning of specialised machinery.

The Association said entrepreneurs had committed investments of around ₹1,400 crore towards these projects and had sought urgent intervention to ensure that the investments could be converted into productive capacity before the apple harvest season.

According to JKPICCA, resolution of the EPCG issue would provide significant relief to affected entrepreneurs and enable them to proceed with greater clarity and confidence.

CA storage projects require specialised refrigeration systems, controlled-atmosphere equipment, compressors, refrigeration plants, sorting and grading systems, automation and other sophisticated machinery. The Association had maintained that prolonged delays could have affected project commissioning schedules and the utilisation of investments already made.

Naik said the development demonstrated the importance of constructive engagement between industry and government.

“We are deeply thankful to Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal, the Director General of Foreign Trade and his entire team for their positive intervention and responsive approach. The EPCG issue had created considerable anxiety among affected entrepreneurs, particularly in view of the approaching apple harvest. Its resolution is a very positive development and a great relief for everyone concerned,” he said.

He said the outcome would benefit not only individual project proponents but also the wider horticulture economy of Jammu & Kashmir.

JKPICCA said timely facilitation of EPCG-related matters would help strengthen the region’s post-harvest infrastructure, reduce losses, support organised marketing and exports, and promote agricultural value addition.

The Association also appreciated officials, stakeholders and industry representatives who supported the issue and helped bring it before the appropriate authorities.

It said the resolution would strengthen entrepreneurs’ confidence in investment facilitation, ease of doing business, export promotion and infrastructure development in Jammu & Kashmir.

JKPICCA had formally raised the matter with the DGFT, while a copy of its representation was also submitted to Piyush Goyal for information and necessary intervention. The communication was subsequently forwarded to the DGFT and concerned offices on August 12.

The Association expressed hope that the development would encourage further investment in modern cold chain and post-harvest infrastructure and contribute to strengthening Jammu & Kashmir’s horticulture economy.