A team of officials from private airline SpiceJet will be coming to Nashik on March 16 to explore the possibilities of starting cargo flights to transport vegetables and fruits to the states in the north-east of India. The meeting takes place under the Krishi Uddan scheme.
The meeting will be attended by SpiceJet officials, Halcon -a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Container Corporation of India (Concor)- and growers.
"SpiceJet is keen on starting a dedicated freighter to transport vegetables and fruits from Nashik to the NE. Accordingly, the team of officials from SpiceJet will hold talks with Halcon and farmers,” said a Halcon official.
"Consignments of grapes are sent to Guwahati by road, which takes around five days to reach the destination. Transporting grapes by air will save time and the cost. There are chances of sending pomegranates and other vegetables to NE states through a dedicated freighter," said Halcon official.
At present, Halcon exports 4,500 tonnes of fresh vegetables and fruits annually to London, Dubai and other international markets via Mumbai airport.
Vegetables like okra, flat beans, chilli and others are exported by air directly from Nashik airport to Dubai. Fresh fruits like pomegranate, guava and chiku are also exported via Mumbai airport.
"Consignments of grapes are sent to Guwahati by road, which takes around five days to reach the destination. Transporting grapes by air will save time and the cost. There are chances of sending pomegranates and other vegetables to NE states through a dedicated freighter," said Halcon official.
At present, Halcon exports 4,500 tonne of fresh vegetables and fruits annually to London, Dubai and other international markets via Mumbai airport.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
