Lok Sabha Question No. 2333 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Objectives of Krishi UDAN Scheme
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal, Shri Malaiyarasan D

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2333

(To be answered on the 13 th  March 2025)

## OBJECTIVES OF KRISHI UDAN SCHEME

## 2333. SHRI MALAIYARASAN D

## SHRI MUKESHKUMAR CHANDRAKAANT DALAL

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the objectives of the Krishi UDAN scheme along with its alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost agricultural exports;
- (b) the number of flights and airports covered under the Krishi UDAN scheme since its launch along with the total volume of agricultural produce transported through the said scheme to date;
- (c) the details of funds allocated and spent on the Krishi UDAN scheme during the last three years within Tamil Nadu;
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to address the logistical challenges, such as cold storage facilities, cargo handling and cost of air transport in order to make the said scheme more effective for farmers;
- (e) the future plans of the Government for expanding the Krishi UDAN scheme to more remote areas and agricultural hubs, State-wise, particularly for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat;
- (f) the steps taken to facilitate the use of cargo planes and unused cargo capacity in passenger planes for transporting perishable agricultural products; and
- (g) whether the Government has any proposals to include exports of agricultural products under the said scheme and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) The Krishi Udan Scheme aims to ensure seamless, cost effective, time-bound air transportation and associated logistics for all Agri-produce originating especially from Northeast, hilly and tribal regions of the country, so that it improves their value realisation.

Krishi Udan Scheme is a convergence scheme where eight Ministries/Departments namely Ministry of Civil Aviation, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region leverage their existing schemes to strengthen the logistics for transportation of Agri-produce. By enhancing logistics and supply chains, the scheme aims to strengthen Indian agriculture and boosts farmers' income.

(b) The Krishi Udan Scheme covers 58 airports in the country, primarily focusing on 25 airports in North Eastern, Hilly and Tribal region besides 33 airports in other regions/areas.

All perishable commodities are covered under Krishi Udan Scheme in the country which includes horticulture, fishery, livestock and processed products. The details of total perishable tonnage handled (in MT) in India are as under:

FY            Domestic   International  Total 2021-22    79,275       190,484        269,759 2022-23    85,118       184,086        269,204 2023-24    75,794       218,701        294,494

(c) There is no specific budget allocation under Krishi Udan Scheme.

(d) to (g) For facilitating and incentivising movement of agri-produce by air transportation, waiver of Landing charges, Parking charges are provided for Indian freighters and P2C (Passenger-to-Cargo) Aircraft by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Ministry of Defence at their selected Krishi Udan airports. In addition, Route Navigation Facility Charges (RNFC) and Terminal Navigational Landing Charges (TNLC) are waived off at the selected AAI airports. Presently, cold storage facility is available at 35 airports in India.

Krishi  Udan  is  an  ongoing  Scheme  and  is  reviewed  from  time  to  time  in consultation  with  stakeholders.

All perishable commodities are covered under Krishi Udan Scheme in the country originating from the 58 Krishi Udan airports, especially from Northeast, hilly and tribal regions of the country, which includes horticulture, fishery, livestock and processed products.

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