Govt extends 50% rail freight subsidy on notified fruits and vegetables

New Delhi, Oct 16 (KNN) Aiming to support and incentive for the farmers using the services of Kisan Rail, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Food Processing Industries have decided that the 50% subsidy on transportation of notified fruits and vegetables (under ‘Operation Greens – TOP to Total’ scheme of MoFPI) shall be granted directly to Kisan Rail – for which MoFPI will provide necessary funds to the Ministry of Railways.

This subsidy has become applicable of Kisan Rail trains with effect from 14.10.2020.

Eligible Items under subsidy are the Fruits (Mango, Banana, Guava, Kiwi, Litchi, Papaya, Mousambi, Orange, Kinnow, Lime, Lemon,  Pineapple, Pomegranate, Jackfruit, Apple, Almond, Aonla, Passion fruit and Pear), Vegetables (French beans, Bitter Gourd, Brinjal, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chillies (Green), Okra, Cucumber, Peas, Garlic, Onion, Potato and Tomato) and any other fruit/vegetable can be added in future on the basis of recommendation by the Ministry of Agriculture or State Government.

Kisan Rail ensures agro products reach from one corner to another corner of the country in quick time by faster transportation benefitting both the farmers and the consumers. The Kisan Rail catering to the requirements of small farmers and small traders is proving to be not only a game-changer but also a life changer as it fulfils the endeavour of increasing the income of farmers.

Kisan Rail is certainly changing the lives of farmers with the assurance of better price with faster & cheaper transportation, providing a seamless supply chain, preventing the destruction of perishable farm produce thereby opening up the scope to increase the income of farmers.

Indian Railways is continuously making efforts to move the agro products through freight trains. Even during the lockdown, the freight trains of Indian Railways were moving to ensure continuous supply of essential commodities so that no part in the country should face any hardship. There has been significant improvement in the loading of crops like wheat, pulses, fruits, vegetables with more rakes.