Parliament Question: Krishi UDAN Scheme for Tamil Nadu

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 803 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd July 2026 ) KRISHI UDAN SCHEME FOR TAMIL NADU 803. SHRI MANI A Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government proposes to expand the benefits of the Krishi UDAN Scheme to farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu to facilitate the timely and cost-effective air transportation of mangoes, vegetables, flowers and other perishable horticultural produce to domestic and international markets and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government has assessed the feasibility of establishing collection centres, pack houses, cold-chain infrastructure and refrigerated logistics linking Dharmapuri with the nearest airports under the Krishi UDAN Scheme and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any proposal has been received for improving air cargo connectivity for agricultural produce from Dharmapuri and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps proposed to be taken to reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmers' incomes and enhance export opportunities for horticultural produce from Dharmapuri under the Krishi UDAN Scheme? 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 the Northeast, hilly and tribal regions of the country, so that it improves their value realisation. All perishable commodities such as horticulture, fishery, livestock and processed products are covered under the Krishi Udan Scheme. (b) The development of cargo facilities is a continuous process and depends on various factors such as airport development progress, increase in scheduled operations, handling capacity, growth in domestic cargo volumes and demandfrom airlines. The Government's approach is to provide suitable policy and congenial regulatory regime, for the encouragement of infrastructure development, simplification of procedures, technological upgradation, and deployment of skilled manpower, all aimed at efficient and cost-effective air cargo services delivery. (c) The airlines initiate cargo operations based on their internal assessment of cargo potential, handling capabilities and overall commercial viability of operating from any airport. Consequently, the decision to operate on any route rests with the airlines. (d) Under the Krishi Udan Scheme, in order to facilitate and incentivise movement of agri-produce by air transportation, reduce post-harvet losses, improve farmers' incomes and enhance export opportunities, waiver of landing and parking charges is provided for Indian freighters and P2C (Passenger-to- Cargo) Aircraft by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Defence at selected airports. In addition, Route Navigation Facility Charges (RNFC) and Terminal Navigational Landing Charges (TNLC) are waived at such selected AAI airports. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), also organizes training and capacity building programs in collaboration with concerned Ministries for its stakeholders to sensitize its members regarding Government Schemes including Krishi Udan. ******