Covid leads to dip in export of perishables from Bengaluru airport

Bengaluru, May 6 (IANS) Numerous logistical challenges amid the Covid lockdown led to exports of perishables cargo from the Kempegowda International Airport here falling by nearly 50 per cent in April, an official said on Wednesday.

“KIA processed 1,425 MT of perishable cargo in April, compared to 2,770 MT in the same month last year,” said an airport official.

Shortage of farm workers and lockdown logistical restrictions have majorly contributed to the decline in exports, the official added.

“The countrywide lockdown and subsequent blockade of district borders by Karnataka had a significant impact on the movement of cargo,” said the official.

Karnataka government had allowed the movement of essential products and services, including fruits and vegetables amid Covid lockdown.

In April, the airport processed several varieties of vegetables and fruits to be air lifted by 10 airlines, including two Indian ones, to 28 international destinations.

The export cargo included baby corn, green chillies, okras, ivy gourds, brinjals, onions, bitter gourds, cauliflowers, drumsticks, mangoes, bananas, papayas, pomegranates, pineapples and jackfruits.

Top export destinations included Doha (834 MT), Dubai (146 MT) and London (110 MT) among others.

–IANS

sth/vd