58 airports including Nashik and Pune covered under Krishi Udan Scheme 2.0 

The central government has taken a positive step to provide a domestic and foreign market for the agricultural products of the farmers, and 58 airports in the country including Nashik and Pune airports have been included under the central ‘Krishi Udan Yojana 2.0’. This will give financial benefits to farmers along with global recognition of their produce.

The inclusion of Nashik and Pune airports in this scheme will enable farmers in Maharashtra to transport their produce to national and international markets in a shorter time and at a lower cost, thereby increasing their income.

Krishi Udan Yojana was launched in August 2020 with the aim of helping farmers to transport their produce to distant markets and increase their income.

Krishi Udan Yojana 2.0 was announced on 27 October 2021. Primarily, 25 airports have been selected for North-East, Hill and Tribal areas, while 33 in other areas, with emphasis on transportation of various types of agricultural commodities (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, etc.) through airports from hilly regions, north-eastern states and tribal areas.

For the effective implementation of this scheme, eight central ministries namely Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Department of Fisheries Development, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Tribal Development and Ministry of North Eastern Region Development are working in proper coordination.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Defense have decided to introduce airport charges, parking charges etc. Concessions are also provided under this scheme. This will help the farmers to deliver their produce quickly and safely in the country and abroad and they will be able to get more income from the sale of the produce, informed the department.

State-wise List of Airports Covered Under KrishiUdan Scheme

Shreyas Vange