UDAN 2.0

Recently, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation has released KrishiUdeDeshKaAamNaagrik (UDAN) 2.0 to facilitate movement of agricultural produce by air.
It lays out the vision of improving value realization through better integration and optimization of agri-harvesting and air transportation and contributing to agri-value chain sustainability and resilience under different and dynamic conditions.
Earlier, ahead of UDAN Day (21st October), the Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off 6 routes, expanding the aerial connectivity of North-East India, under the UDAN Scheme.

Important points:

Krishi UDAN was launched in August 2020, on international and national routes to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realisation.
Krishi UDAN 2.0 will focus on transporting perishable food products from the hilly areas, northeastern states and tribal areas.
It will be implemented at 53 airports across the country mainly focusing on northeast and tribal regions and is likely to benefit farmers, freight forwarders and airlines.
Opted airports not only provide access to regional domestic markets but also connect them to international gateways of the country.
Facilitate and incentivize movement of agri-produce by air transportation by giving a full waiver of landing, parking, Terminal Navigation and Landing Charges and Route Navigation Facilities Charges for domestic airlines.
Strengthen Cargo related infrastructure at airports and off airports by facilitating the development of a hub and spoke model and a freight grid.
The hub and spoke model refers to a distribution method in which a centralized “hub” exists.
Resources-Pooling through establishing a convergence mechanism i.e. collaboration with other government departments and regulatory bodies.
It will provide freight forwarders, airlines and other stakeholders with Incentives and concessions to enhance air transportation of Agri-produce.

Way forward

Evolutionary possible use of biofuel for aircraft in future
Use of drones in the agriculture sector
Due to greater integration and value realisation of agricultural products through schemes like Krishi UDAN.

SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT

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