The Hindu Business Line : Mangalore trade sees potential in air cargo

Mangalore, Nov. 7 In their efforts to promote the export of horticultural and agricultural produces and other perishable goods from Mangalore region, the representatives of trade and industry here are looking at Gulf countries for growth. Though the region is yet to get an air cargo complex to meet the needs of export community, trade and industry expect to contribute a significant share of air cargo in the coming years.

A study conducted by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on the potential of air cargo here estimates that Mangalore region can generate five tonnes of air cargo a day during the initial stage. This can go up to 150 tonnes a day by 2011-12.

Mr K. Narasimha Prabhu, KCCI President, told Business Line that there is immense potential for exporting horticultural and agricultural produces from the region. If steps are taken to set up an air cargo complex at Mangalore, the region can export around 45,000 tonnes of air cargo a year by 2011-12. By then, the region will be in a position to export around 150 tonnes of air cargo every day. The KCCI study shows that there will be incremental growth in air cargo movement from Mangalore.

To begin with, fresh vegetables, fruits and chilled marine products will contribute for the export cargo. The study shows that the region can look at exporting prepared food items, electronic parts and garments in the coming years. It sees the import potential for life-saving drugs and critical components and parts.

Requirements

Mr G. Giridhar Prabhu, cashew exporter from Mangalore, said: “We are ready to meet the requirements of people in the Gulf region on supplying fresh vegetables and fruits and prepared foods. Export of some of these commodities will help bring down labour cost at the destination point.”

Mr Narasimha Prabhu said that the Airports Authority of India, the Customs Department, and the airline operators should initiate steps on setting up an air cargo complex at the airport to boost air cargo export.

“The facilities should be made available in accordance with the projections. It is vital that market infrastructure facilities are in place before commencing actual business,” he said.

It is to be noted here that Mangalore airport has been declared as customs airport for handling passenger bags and baggage. It has not yet been declared as customs airport for handling air cargo.