Krishi UDAN 2.0 to link 53 airports; focus on North East, tribal regions

October 29, 2021: Union minister of civil aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia released Krishi UDAN 2.0 that 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.

The scheme proposes to facilitate and incentivize the movement of agri-produce by air transportation.

Scindia said, “This scheme will open up new avenues of growth for the agriculture sector andhelp attain the goal of doubling farmers' income by removing barriers in supply chain, logistics and transportation of farm produce.”

"The convergence between the two sectors is possible because of 3 primary reasons – evolutionary possible use of biofuel for aircraft in future, use of drones in the agriculture sector, and due to greater integration and value realisation of agricultural products through schemes like Krishi UDAN.”

The Krishi UDAN 2.0 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. The ministry of civil aviation plans to be pilot the scheme for 6 months, and, will introduce amendments based on the results of the evaluation & consultations with other stakeholders.

Airside transit and transshipment infrastructure will be created at Bagdogra and Guwahati airports, and at Leh, Srinagar, Nagpur, Nashik, Ranchi, and Raipur airports as a part of focus on NER, tribal and hilly districts.

7 focus routes & products