Aligarh, 13 Sept (HS): The newly developed Noida

International Airport serves as the key worldwide agricultural export center

for Uttar Pradesh. Special processing-grade potato types cultivated in adjacent

locations (such as Fry Sona and Fry Home, which are used to create french fries

and chips) are packed for direct export. For example, 30 tons of potatoes are

expected to be sent from Aligarh to Bahrain using airport cargo facilities. To

enable this level of distribution, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development

Authority (YEIDA) has suggested a dedicated 50-acre Agri Export Hub near the

airport cargo terminal. This center has specialized food processing facilities,

packaging infrastructure, and a gamma radiation treatment equipment that

sterilizes fresh goods for overseas markets such as West Asia, Russia, and

Europe.

Using the dedicated perishables cargo terminal at Noida

Airport reduces transit times compared to marine shipping. This helps to retain

the turgidity, skin quality, and general freshness of the potatoes, allowing

exporters to charge a higher price on the Bahraini market.

Uttar Pradesh is India's leading potato producer, generating

over 20 million tons per year to serve both local consumption and emerging

export markets. Russia recognized particular Uttar Pradesh potato cultivars

(including the 3797 and Surya strains) after they met stringent international

quality criteria. Local farmers are increasing worldwide shipments, such as

preparing massive potato consignments from the Aligarh region, to reach foreign

markets via Jewar Airport's cargo infrastructure.

Now, the route for Aligarh's potatoes to reach the foreign

market will open through Jewar Airport. A separate building will be constructed

at Jewar International Airport for potato export processing and certification.

This will save farmers and FPOs from having to travel to other cities for

necessary export procedures.

State Horticulture Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh announced

this at an interstate potato buyer-seller conference held in Agra. According to

the Horticulture Department, the state's 17 major potato-producing districts

are expected to benefit. Deputy Director of Horticulture Dr. Baljeet Singh

stated that Jewar Airport, about 76 kilometers from the district headquarters,

is a better alternative to Aligarh.

Due to its connectivity with Palwal Highway and Yamuna

Expressway, local FPOs and farmers will be able to send potatoes from here to

foreign markets. Around 6.5 lakh tonnes of potatoes are currently stored in 126

cold stores in the district. To sell this, talks are underway with buyers from

other states including Odisha. Talks were also held with businessmen from other

states in the buyer-seller conference held in Agra. The department hopes that

this will help Aligarh farmers find new buyers in other states including

Odisha.

Previously shipped from Lucknow, now they can ship from

Jewar: Jitendra Awasthi, director of Agri Shine FPO, said that he recently

shipped 12 quintals of potatoes to Bahrain by plane. He had to travel to

Lucknow airport for this. Once exports from Jewar begin, Aligarh farmers and

FPOs won't have to rush to Lucknow.

Captain RP Pachauri, director of Komalika FPO, said that

farmers will benefit greatly from the availability of easy export facilities

within the major potato belt. Girraj Godani, president of the Aligarh Cold

Store Owners Association, said that increased export facilities will provide

better markets for farmers and increase the trend towards better potato

varieties.

Relief of Rs 100 per quintal if the price falls: To provide

relief to farmers from fluctuations in potato prices, the government has

created a Bhamashah Bhavantar Fund of Rs 1000 crore. Under this, farmers will

be paid directly into their bank accounts at the rate of Rs 100 per quintal. A

provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for relief in cold storage rent.

Shrikant Sharma, director of Balabhadra Cold Storage, Khair, said that

Bhavantar Yojana can provide great relief to farmers in case of falling market

prices. Farmers are also applying for relief in cold storage rent.

30 tons of potatoes will be sent to Bahrain: Aligarh is

preparing to send 30 tons of potatoes to Bahrain soon. These include the Fry

Sona and Fry Home varieties, which are used to make French fries and chips.

Jitendra Awasthi, director of Agri Shine FPO, said that this time the potatoes

will be sent to Bahrain via containerized sea route.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi