For the first time in the history of Northeast region, fresh vegetable sourced from various districts of Assam was directly exported to the markets of Dubai, UAE with the first consignment sent from LGBI Airport here on Sunday.
A total of about 810 kg of vegetables including potol, green seem, black seem, turnip, sosa, brinjal, lemon etc. were sent through Air India flight AI 892 departed at 7.34 pm.
DK Kamra, Regional Executive Director, Airport Authority of India (AAI), Northeast region said that for the first time in history of Northeast this facility has been started having direct export mode via air cargo.
“With the Customs- EDI clearance right here at the Guwahati Airport, with AAICLAS (an AAI subsidiary) & customs dept, the farmers & exporters don’t have to go anywhere else, they can now send their products from Guwahati to any part of the globe through Air Cargo. The facility is available round the clock at the cargo station,” he added.
Sonar Bangla, a Kolkata based export company, in collaboration with local exporter Kiega Exim Pvt Ltd, Guwahati completed this consignment.
Earlier in October this year flat beans, brinjal and radish sourced from Assam were sent to London & Doha through Guwahati Airport Air Cargo.
Officials from AAI, AAICLAS, Airlines, Custom dept, Assam Govt. & related agencies were also present on the occasion.
This will also increase farmers’ income in the area, which is one major initiative of Central government and dept of industry & commence, said an official.
Guidance of Dr Guru Prasad Mohapatra, Chairman, AAI and Ravi Capoor, Addl Chief secretary, Industry and Commerce Department have been instrumental in guiding all stakeholders in the sector for proving this direct custom clearance of air cargo in this region, the official said.
Plant quarantine and all major clearances, even the phytosanitary certificate was executed for the first time at Guwahati Airport.
Customs clearance at Guwahati Airport means the export consignment will now not be checked en-route to any Airport till the destination. Earlier it was done at Kolkata Airport, for airports in Northeast.
This journey has begun and all are hopeful that following this lot of other exporters will follow.