The export of fruits and vegetables from Kerala, India to the Middle East through the three airports in the State has come to a standstill.
The exorbitant prices of perishables at the source markets in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, plus the reluctance of overseas buyers to hike prices, and the apprehension of exporters over refunding of 18% GST collected from them, have led to the crisis.
Since Wednesday, the daily uplift of 150 tonnes of perishables via 50-odd flights from the Thiruvananthapuram, Nedumbaserry, and Karipur international airports have been hit.
Hundreds of Non-Resident Keralites in the Middle East are forced to purchase the fruits and vegetables from other countries. With Onam hardly two weeks away, they are worried whether the crisis will hit their plans for the festival.
Taking into account the current rate for the export of perishables at $1.75, the country is losing foreign exchange of Rs. 16.53 lakh daily.
The crisis has hit the 50 exporters and over 10,000 people, from farmers to loaders at the airport. Operating airlines and allied service providers such as the KSIE and the CIAL have also taken a hit.
1 RS = 0.016 USD
1 lakh = 100,000
source: thehindu.com
