Krishi UDAN 2.0

Table of Contents

Krishi UDAN 2.0- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 3: Indian Agriculture- Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

Recently, Krishi UDAN 2.0 was released by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation along with the representatives of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, FICCI.

About Krishi UDAN 2.0: Krishi UDAN 2.0 lays out the vision of improving value realization through better integration and optimization of Agri-harvesting and air transportation.
Krishi UDAN scheme was formulated with support from AAICLAS and Invest India (ministry of commerce and industry).
- AAICLAS is a 100% subsidiary of the Airports Authority of India and Invest India is India’s national Investment Promotion & Facilitation Agency.
Key Benefits of Krishi UDAN 2.0:
- Krishi UDAN 2.0 will contribute to Agri-value chain sustainability and resilience under different and dynamic conditions.
- The Krishi UDAN 2.0 scheme proposes to facilitate and incentivize the movement of Agri-produce by air transportation.
Convergence of Agriculture to Aviation(A2A): A2A model is being adopted under Krishi UDAN 2.0 for ensuring maximum benefits to the farmers. The convergence between the two sectors is possible because of 3 primary reasons-

1. Evolutionary possible use of biofuel for aircraft in future,
2. Use of drones in the agriculture sector, and
3. Due to greater integration and value realization of agricultural products through schemes like Krishi UDAN.

Scope of the Krishi UDAN 2.0: It will be implemented at 53 airports across the country mainly focusing on Northeast and tribal regions and is likely to benefit farmers, freight forwarders and Airlines.
- The airports are primarily focused on the northeast region. Additionally covers North, entire western coast and southern India (including two islands).

Facilitation and incentives: Krishi UDAN 2.0 scheme provides a full waiver of Landing, Parking, TNLC and RNFC charges for Indian freighters and P2C at selected Airports.
Strengthening cargo-related infrastructure at airports and off airports: Facilitating the development of a hub and spoke model and a freight grid.
Concessions sought from other bodies: The scheme seeks support and encourages States to reduce Sales Tax to 1% on ATF for freighters / P2C aircraft as extended in UDAN flights.
Resources-Pooling through establishing Convergence mechanism: Collaboration with other government departments and regulatory bodies to provide various stakeholders with Incentives and concessions to enhance air transportation of Agri-produce.
Technological convergence: Development of E-KUSHAL (Krishi UDAN for Sustainable Holistic Agri-Logistics)
- E-KUSHAL Platform to facilitate information dissemination to all the stakeholders.
- Furthermore, integration of E-KUSHAL with the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is proposed.