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Cargo centre for perishable items to be set up

By A Correspondent

NEDUMBASSERY, DEC. 30. The construction of a perishable cargo centre to be set up by the Cochin International Airport Limited is expected to begin soon. The airport company has invited tenders for the construction of the building for the cargo centre.

The building cost is estimated to be Rs.3 crore. The centre, to be completed within eight months, will come up near the existing cargo house at the airport.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the nodal organisation for export promotion of agricultural products will provide financial assistance for the centre.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the APEDA and CIAL in this regard on May 25. The estimated total investment for the centre is Rs.15.02 crore, of which Rs.8.37 crore will be given as grant by the APEDA.

The 1,800-sq.m centre, with six chambers of varying temperature control, is expected to boost the export of agricultural and other perishable products from Kerala and the neighbouring States.

The centre will provide full-fledged cool room facility for vegetables, fruits, flowers and other agri-products along with poultry and livestock products.

The project envisages a complete cold chain in the handling of cargo, right from collection the agri-products from fields to loading them in the aircraft. This will ensure superior quality for perishable cargo and fetch attractive price.

The cargo will be transported from the fields in refrigerated vehicles. After the products are packed, they will be taken to the airport.

The cargo will be processed in the centre at the airport, before being loaded into the aircraft.

The scientific handling of cargo will reduce the chances of rejection in the market to the minimum, leading to increased demand.

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Cargo centre for perishable items to be set up

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