Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off the 100th run of Kisan Rail in Maharashtra and said the move is a big step toward empowering farmers of the country.
The 100th run of the Kisan Rail was flagged off from Sangola in Maharashtra to Shalimar in West Bengal virtually.
Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Piyush Goyal were also present at the event.
“I congratulate crores of farmers of the country. Despite COVID-19 challenge Kisan Rail network has expanded in the last four months and got its 100th rail now,” said PM Modi.
He added, “Kisan Rail service is a big step towards empowering the farmers and increasing their income.”
The ‘Kisan Rail’, a service started by his government, will help small and marginal farmers, who are over 80 per cent of the peasantry, in supplying their produce to far-off markets, the prime minister said, adding that a big demand for its services led to a rise in its frequency. This will also help boost the income of farmers, he added.
This is also a testimony to the fact that how keen the farmers are for new possibilities, he said. The government has been working to boost supply chain, cold storage facilities and bringing about value addition to farmers’ produce to help them, he said.
The multi-commodity train service will carry vegetables such as cauliflower, capsicum, cabbage, drumstick, chilli and onion as well as fruits like grape, orange, pomegranate, banana and custard apple, according to an official statement.
Loading and unloading of perishable commodities will be permitted at all stoppages en route with no bar on the size of consignment, it said, adding that the Centre has extended a 50-per cent subsidy on the transportation of fruits and vegetables.
“Kisan Rail has been a game changer in ensuring fast transportation of agriculture produce across the nation. It provides a seamless supply chain of perishable produce,” it said.
