Nashik, agro cargo hub of Maha

Mumbai: Considering the agricultural significance of the Nashik district not only in Maharashtra but in the country, state government has tied up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to develop its Nashik division, where Sukhoi Su-30 aircrafts are manufactured, as agriculture cargo hub. Initially, the airport will be made open for civil operations.
“Nashik is the biggest producer of horticulture and floriculture products in the state. The district is also developing rapidly as one of the best agricultural sector on the national map. But the district lacks facilities for exporting the produce,” Sudhir Thakre, secretary General Administration (Aviation) Department told Sakaal Times.
The estimated expenditure to set up the facilities is estimated to be Rs 180 crore which would be shared by HAL and the state government after negotiations.
“Sukhoi 30MKI, which are manufactured at the Nashik division of HAL is now-a-days used as the aircraft testing ground. The heliport is generally used for only 3-4 months in a year for testing purpose. So we asked HAL to make the airport available as agro cargo hub,” he said.
01/02/10 Prajakta Karnik/Sakaal Times

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Categories: Airports Feb 2010, Cargo Feb 2010, New Feb 2010