Agricultural Cargo from LBSI Airport Witnesses 420% Growth
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is eagerly anticipating the expansion of the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, India. According to C.B. Singh, the Deputy General Manager of APEDA, the movement of perishable cargo from this airport has been steadily increasing. In the 2022-23 financial year, Varanasi airport handled a total of 561 metric tons of perishable cargo. Moreover, exports of fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals from the eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP) region saw an extraordinary growth rate of 420% during the same period. In fact, during the first quarter of the current financial year (April to June), the Varanasi airport handled 160 metric tons of agricultural cargo, which is significantly higher than the 46 metric tons handled during the first quarter of the previous year.
One particularly popular route for cargo transportation is the Varanasi-Sharjah route, which operates at full capacity every day. This specific flight offers direct connectivity to the Gulf market, making it highly sought-after. However, for shipments to London and other international markets, farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and exporters from the eastern UP region have to opt for trans-shipment. This involves domestic flights transporting the freight to Delhi or Mumbai for further transportation.
Singh pointed out that currently, only a few airlines have trans-shipment bonds for international cargo, including IndiGo and Air India Express, while airlines like Air India and Vistara have yet to apply for such bonds. To sustain the momentum of agricultural exports from the eastern UP region, it is crucial to have more trans-shipment bonds with a greater number of airlines. Additionally, there is a need for increased frequency of international flights and the operation of cargo flights.
The growth in agricultural cargo from the Varanasi airport has been remarkable, reflecting the increasing demand for quality produce from this region. This has led to the need for improved infrastructure and logistical support to meet the rising export requirements. APEDA is actively working towards the expansion of the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to accommodate this growing demand.
By optimizing the cargo transportation services, more farmers and exporters from eastern UP will be able to tap into international markets efficiently. The expansion of the airport will not only benefit the agricultural sector but also contribute to the economic growth of the region. With more trans-shipment bonds, increased flight frequency, and dedicated cargo flights, the export potential of the eastern UP region can be fully realized.
It is crucial for airlines to recognize the untapped potential of this region and apply for trans-shipment bonds accordingly. The demand for Indian agricultural products in international markets is on the rise, and by capitalizing on this opportunity, airlines can play a vital role in facilitating trade and expanding the reach of Indian farmers and exporters.
As India’s agricultural exports continue to witness significant growth, it is essential to have robust transportation infrastructure and seamless connectivity. The expansion of the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is a step in the right direction, ensuring that agricultural cargo can be efficiently transported to global markets. This not only benefits the farmers and exporters but also strengthens India’s position as a major player in the international agriculture industry.
In conclusion, the growth in agricultural cargo from the LBSI Airport in Varanasi has been remarkable, with a 420% increase in exports from the eastern UP region. To sustain this growth and further boost agricultural exports, it is crucial to have more trans-shipment bonds with airlines and increased frequency of international and cargo flights. The expansion of the airport will provide the necessary infrastructure to support this growing demand, benefiting farmers, exporters, and the regional economy as a whole.
