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Warehouse helps fly fruit and veg from inside India to nearby markets

INDIA's north eastern state of Jharkhand has agreed with the Airports Authority of India to set up a cargo complex at Birsa Munda Airport, reports the Calcutta Telegraph.

It is expected that fresh produce will be flown out of the often troubled "bushland" province, mostly fruit and veg such as green peas and tomatoes to be marketed in nearby states.

Jharkhand industries director Ravi Kumar and airport director Anil Vikram signed the memorandum of understanding at Nepal House on that the project would be completed in a year's time.

It is understood that Jharkhand would pay INR20 million (US$314,826) in two instalments for the project. Mr Vikram said the old terminal building would be converted into a cargo complex.

"The biggest benefit that we shall have once the facility comes up is enhanced airport security," he said.

Currently, whatever goods come to and go out of the state are handled by individual airline officials and screened by regular scanners that are used for passenger baggage.

"This can pose a security risk if the cargo contains hazardous items. This is why a dedicated complex for cargo is necessary," he said.

Domestic consignments to and from Jharkhand are mostly trucked, but "ravaged highways" often cause damage and delay, said the Telegraph report.

"Only Calcutta airport has a cargo facility in the eastern region. A complex for goods transport in Ranchi would increase business prospects manifold. They (AAI authorities) have promised to develop the facility within a year. We will provide INR2 core in two phases. Operational and other costs will be borne by the AAI," he said.

The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) welcomed the deal, but was more concerned about making it happen.

"Given the pitiful condition of roads in our state, many businessmen face heavy losses owing to consignment delays. Also, no one here wishes to keep perishable goods such as vegetables in stock for long because of lack of storage facilities. Hence, air cargo will be a big boon provided the Moue becomes reality within stipulated time," said FJCCI general secretary Pawn Kumar Sharma.

Jharkhand (lit. "Bushland") is a state in eastern India carved out of the southern part of Bihar in 2000. The state shares its border with the states of Bihar to the north, Uttar Prudish and Chhattisgarh to the west, Odisha to the south, and West Bengal to the east. It has an area of 79,710 square kilometres or 30,778 square miles.