Air cargo service from Dimapur approved

Finding a wider market for agri produce from Nagaland 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 26

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has approved cargo operations from the Dimapur airport. The cargo service will target the farming sector to facilitate export of agricultural produce from Nagaland to a wider consumer base. 

The proposal to start the service was submitted to the Bureau of Civil Aviation by the Dimapur airport authority under a scheme of the Union Civil Aviation Ministry for facilitating quick market linkage for agricultural products, especially fruits. The nod of approval was given by the BCAS on February 22.

Subsequent to the approval, a “stakeholders meeting” was convened by the state Department of Horticulture in Dimapur on February 26 to chalk out the “way forward.”

Officials from Air India, Indigo, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Agriculture department and members from the Business Association of Nagas, agri marketing agency and entrepreneurs attended the meeting. 

M Zhimo, Director of the Dimapur airport, AAI, informed at the meeting that a terminal for cargo operations was constructed last year but could not be operationalised due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While stating that the service would benefit the farmers and consumers as well as the airlines, he held that air cargo may represent only less than 1 percent of freight transport in volume, but in terms of value, it cannot be undermined. 

He informed that the cargo service will operate from a dedicated building and the processing of cargo for transport will take place four hours before the departure of the flight. 

Agriculture Production Commissioner, Nagaland Y Kikheto Sema, who also attended the meeting, termed the year 2020-21 as special since Nagaland could install soil testing laboratories in the 12 districts, while also getting air cargo service. 

According to him, Nagaland with its climatic condition has great farming potential but the traditional land holding system and jhum cultivation are serving to be hurdles to realise the potential. 

He also suggested targeted marketing of agricultural produce in order to develop niche markets. “Let us also look at our state as a market while also targeting the Naga diaspora outside to market our produce,” he said.