New Delhi (NVI): The government has decided to extend subsidy on Kisan Rail Freight transportation of notified fruits and vegetables by 50 percent, in a massive incentive to the farmers.
Under this, fruits like Mango, Banana, Guava, Kiwi, Litchi, Papaya, Mousambi, Orange, Kinnow, Lime, Lemon, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Jackfruit, Apple, Almond, Aonla, Passion fruit and Pear will become cheaper, the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.
On the other hand, vegetables like – French beans, Bitter Gourd, Brinjal, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chillies (Green), Okra, Cucumber, Peas, Garlic, Onion, Potato and Tomato to get the benefit with immediate effect.
“Under ‘Operation Greens – TOP to Total’ scheme of MoFPI, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Food Processing Industries have decided to extend 50 per cent subsidy on transportation of notified fruits and vegetables, as a further support and incentive for the farmers using the services of Kisan Rail,” the statement said.
This subsidy has become applicable of Kisan Rail trains with effect from October 14. It shall be granted directly to Kisan Rail – for which MoFPI will provide necessary funds to Ministry of Railways.
The statement further said that, “Any other fruit or vegetable can be added in future on the basis of recommendation by Ministry of Agriculture or State Government.”
Moreover, the Kisan Rail ensures agriculture products reach from one corner to another corner of the country in a quick time by faster transportation benefitting both the farmers and the consumers.
It will also give the assurance of better price with faster and cheaper transportation, providing seamless supply chain, preventing the destruction of perishable farm produce thereby opening up the scope to increase the income of farmers.
1. The first Kisan Rail, ex Devlali (Nashik, Maharashtra) to Danapur (Patna, Bihar), was inaugurated on August 7 – as a weekly train to move the agro products through freight trains. Subsequently on popular demand the train has been extended to Muzaffarpur (Bihar), and has also been made bi-weekly. In addition, link coaches – from Sangla and Pune – have also been introduced which joins this Kisan Rail at Manmad.
2. Second Kisan Rail – from Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh) to Adarsh Nagar Delhi – was inaugurated on September 9 as a weekly train.
3. Third Kisan Rail – from Bengaluru (Karnataka) to Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) – was inaugurated on September 9 , as a weekly train.
4. Fourth Kisan Rail – from Nagpur anx Warud Orange City (Maharashtra) to Adarsh Nagar Delhia and was inaugurated on October 14.
Notably, Indian Railways is continuously making efforts to move the agriculture products through freight trains. Even during the lockdown, the freight trains were moving to ensure continuous supply of essential commodities so that no part in the country should face any hardship, the statement noted.
-RJV
