The Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Department has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with airline carrier GoAir for transportation of perishable horticulture and agricultural produce to various destinations across the country.

Principal Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Horticulture departments, Navin Kumar Choudhary,  said that this significant step will empower the fruit growers of Jammu and Kashmir and will increase their income as well as boost the rural economy, IBNS said. 

He added that it will also address the transportation hiccups for the horticulture produce, especially the highly perishable items like cherry, plum, apricots etc.

He said the government is also considering to provide some sort of financial support to fruit growers who will utilise this facility for transportation of horticulture and agricultural yield to outside J&K as well as the facility of refrigerated vans for which the decision could be taken by the government in couple of days.

The government had invited bids from airlines regarding this and the GoAir was selected as it offered the lowest rates per Kg for transportation of perishable fruit produce. (SAM)