The state-owned Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) is planning to set up a dedicated port facility at Mumbai for speedy handling of goods and decongestion of Mumbai Port.

"The CWC proposes to develop a minor port exclusively for its warehousing activities thereby decongesting the Mumbai Port and speed delivery of commodities to consumers," S.K. Tuteja, secretary Department of Food and Public Distribution and chairman of CWC said Tuesday.

The corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Railways for developing rail side warehousing facilities, with the first one coming up at Bangalore as a pilot project, he said.
 
"The corporation is also exploring the possibility of operating single window facilities similar to those offered by the railways," Tuteja said.

Endorsing the activities of the corporation, Agriculture and Food Minister Sharad Pawar suggested that it should invest "in the development of a cold chain in collaboration with other players for promoting better preservation of agricultural commodities".

One of the largest producers of horticulture produce, India is trying to develop cold chain facilities from the farm to the market to reduce the high 20-50 percent post harvest losses.

The CWC Tuesday paid a dividend of Rs.22.5 million ($500,000) to the central government for the year 2003-04. 

Handing over a cheque for the amount to Pawar, CWC Managing Director N.K. Choubey said the corporation has declared a 20 percent dividend for the 2003-04 fiscal.

"Including this dividend, a total amount of Rs.967.9 million ($21 million) has been paid back to the central government as against Rs.374.2 million invested by it in the share capital of CWC," said Choubey.

Established in 1957, CWC provides storage facilities for agriculture produce, fertilisers, manure and seeds to farmers, cooperative societies and other institutions. It operates 471 warehouses all over India.

As part of the national storage policy to enhance capacity, CWC is planning to set up bulk silos infrastructure for foodgrain storage. It is also expanding its infrastructure at Dronagiri Node, in Navi Mumbai, as also at Kandla Port to cater to its increased container business.

-Indo-Asian News Service