Maharashtra to Set Up 1,395-Acre International Agri Market at Dapchari in Palghar

The Maharashtra government will establish a state-of-the-art international agricultural market spread across 1,395 acres at Dapchari in Palghar district, Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal announced on Wednesday.

Rawal inspected the proposed site and said the ambitious project is designed to connect farmers from Maharashtra and across the country directly with global markets, while creating large-scale employment opportunities for local residents.

The proposed facility will be developed on the lines of France's Rungis International Market. It will feature modern infrastructure for the trading, processing, packaging, storage, and export of agricultural commodities, catering to fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains, fish, dairy products, meat, and other farm produce.

Produce from Vidarbha, Marathwada, North Maharashtra, Konkan, and Western Maharashtra, as well as other parts of India, is expected to arrive at the hub. Rawal noted that the location would function as an integrated multimodal agricultural logistics hub due to its proximity and transport links with Vadhavan Port, national highways, railways, the Samruddhi Expressway, and the proposed airport. Links with Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, and the Vadodara Expressway will further support export logistics.

According to Rawal, the initiative is projected to generate around 10,000 jobs, with preference given to local youth. Employment opportunities will span sectors including agro-processing, warehousing, cold storage, logistics, packaging, and transportation.

The market is also expected to offer immediate relief to local farmers and fishermen, who currently travel to Mumbai or Vashi to sell their goods. Having an international-standard market closer to home is intended to reduce transportation costs and improve financial returns.

Rawal clarified that no displacement will occur because the project will use government land that has remained unused for several years. During his site inspection, Rawal visited the Gaushala area, Gohar Dhad agricultural division, and Nava Mohara agricultural division, directing officials to expedite the necessary development steps.