The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is keen on expanding the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi at the earliest. C.B. Singh, Deputy General Manager of APEDA, highlighted the increasing movement of perishable cargo from this airport.
In the 2022-23 financial year, Varanasi airport handled 561 metric tons of perishable cargo, marking a significant growth of 420% in exports of fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals from eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP).
During the first quarter of the current financial year (April-June), the Varanasi airport handled 160 metric tons of agricultural cargo, compared to 46 metric tons in the same period of the previous year, reflecting a remarkable increase of 248%. The cargo space of the Varanasi-Sharjah route is consistently reaching full capacity daily.
This flight provides direct connectivity to the Gulf market, while for London and other international destinations, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs) and exporters from the eastern UP region have to opt for trans-shipment, utilizing domestic flights to transport their freight to Delhi or Mumbai for further transportation.
Singh pointed out that currently, only a few airlines have trans-shipment bonds for international cargo, such as Indigo and Air India Express. However, other major airlines like Air India and Vistara have not yet applied for trans-shipment bonds. To sustain the momentum of agricultural exports from the eastern UP region, it is crucial to establish additional trans-shipment bonds with more airlines. Furthermore, increasing the frequency of international flights and operating cargo flights are essential steps.
The growth in perishable cargo and the rising demand for agricultural exports from eastern UP highlight the need for infrastructure development. The expansion of the Varanasi airport would enhance the region's capacity to handle larger volumes of cargo and facilitate direct exports to international markets. This development will not only benefit farmers and exporters but also contribute to the economic growth of the region.
APEDA remains committed to supporting the agricultural sector and promoting the export of high-quality agricultural products from India. By focusing on infrastructure improvements and collaboration with airlines, APEDA aims to create a conducive environment for agricultural exports, ensuring the steady growth of the industry and boosting the economy as a whole.
