By Our Chief Reporter
Mopa (Pernem) To fuel the growth of aviation sector in the country, union aviation minister Suresh Prabhu today said that the thrust would be given on air cargo for which a policy would be drafted soon.
Prabhu was in Goa to see the work on Greenfield airport at Mopa in North Goa which is being constructed by GMR Airport company. The first phase of this facility is expected to be completed in the year 2020.
“The aviation market can also grow because of the cargo movement which will boost the trade and economy of the country. We are trying to make a policy for the Cargo movement through aviation sector,” Prabhu said.
He said that the success of the aviation sector in the country is completely propelled by the participation of the private players and the infrastructure for the cargo movement can also be created in the same way.
The minister said that the most of the airlines are currently operated by private sector, which has resulted in growth of this industry.
Talking about the cargo movement, Prabhu said that the night time, when the air passenger traffic is almost negligible, can be used to airlift the Cargo.
“We are trying to make a policy which will also be enabling the movement of cargo because I am also responsible for the logistic which is first time earmarked to the commerce ministry,” he said.
Prabhu added that logistic cost, speed of movement of cargo and cost of the movement of cargo are very critical for the country to succeed in the global market and also in the domestic competitiveness.
“So the air cargo will play a key role particularly with some of the perishable cargo. We are also working out with some countries wherein they are trying to make an agreement with us before end so that we export fruits and vegetables,” he said.
The minister said that India has almost 380 million tones of agriculture production and 400 million tones of horticulture production and we lost 30 per cent of it before it reaches the market or the consumers.
“ So part of that what is lost can be exported which will have a significant income rise for farmers as well as good for economy,” he said.
