Plans are in progress to expedite the delivery of Maharashtra's produce to Dubai, introducing new avenues in cross-border agri-trade, cold chain logistics, and food processing. At the Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai, Jaykumar Rawal, Maharashtra's Minister of Marketing and Protocol, revealed a proposal for a Maharashtra-Dubai Agri-Corridor. This initiative aims to facilitate faster export processes, establish joint packaging and certification facilities, and align product standards with UAE market needs.
The announcement coincided with the official visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, highlighting potential economic and trade ties enhancement. Rawal highlighted Maharashtra's leadership in the production and export of grapes, pomegranates, and Alphonso mangoes, which are highly sought after in the UAE. Other crops like onions, bananas, millet, and pulses, are also set for export growth. The Maharashtra government is investing in export clusters, mega food parks, and cold chain infrastructure, fostering a robust ecosystem for agri-exporters and logistics providers.
The corridor's logistics model promises rapid delivery: produce is harvested in the evening, shipped by midnight, and available on Dubai shelves, in restaurants, and hotels by morning. Rawal described the vision as a strategic step for businesses aiming to strengthen their regional presence.
The Agri-Corridor forms part of a broader economic engagement strategy. Rawal identified additional sectors for cooperation, including green hydrogen, logistics, film and media, tourism and medicine, and education and startups. "Dubai and Mumbai don't just share trade—we share trust," said Rawal. "To companies in both regions, this is an invitation to co-invest, co-innovate, and co-develop solutions that will define the future of sustainable trade."
Source: Gulf News