Farmers elated as Central Railway exports 1.262 lakh tonnes Onions in 55 freight trains to Bangladesh
Central Railway exported over one lakh tonnes of onions in 55 freight trains to Bangladesh during the month of May, June & up to 10th July 2020.
The export of onions was initiated by railways as per the request received from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India for movement of essential items like onions etc. to Bangladesh.
The 55 rakes loaded with 1.262 lakh tonnes of onions were transported from Nashik, Kherwadi, Niphad, Lasalgaon and Manmad stations of Bhusaval Division and from Kopergaon, Yeole stations of Solapur Division of Central Railway to Darshana, Rohanpur, Birole and Benapole in Bangladesh. It all began with the first rake loaded to Bangladesh on 06.05.2020 from Lasalgaon to Darshana, Bangladesh.
In the month of May alone 27 freight trains of onions were exported, in June, 23 freight trains and in July till date 5 rakes were dispatched to Bangladesh.
Out of 55 freight trains loaded 13 freight trains were loaded from Manmad, 11 from Niphad, 10 from Yeole, 8 from Kherwadi, 7 from Nashik, 5 from Lasalgaon and one train from Kopergaon. Central Railway conducted regular video conference meetings with the loaders yielding this result of exporting onions to Bangladesh.
All possible assistance is being provided to the loaders by coordinating with District Administration. During loading, social distancing measures and sanitizing practices as mandated by Central and State Governments are being observed.
Mr. Prakash Bikaji Sonawane, a farmer from Chandwad, Nashik, cultivating onions was elated and happy that the export and the freight loading of the onions to Bangladesh enabled him to earn good money and thanked Railways for the availability of wagons for loading.
Another farmer, Mr Santosh Haribhau Jadhav, from Dhugaon, Chandwad said: “In a worrying time like this, despite Covid19, the provision of wagons by railways has enabled all the farmers of this region to earn some money through this export of onions and thanked railways for this timely help.”
To give impetus to freight traffic, Central Railway has organized a virtual meeting with major freight customers. Similar meetings at all divisional levels are also being conducted on Central Railway
This is an achievement for Railways as it has fulfilled the aspirations of the farmers and satiated the essential need of the neighbouring country, Bangladesh. This export of onions from India’s onion hub, Nashik – Manmad – Kopergaon area has brought cheers to the farmers of this region of Maharashtra. Furthermore, it is also a win-win situation for farmers, loaders, railways and for Bangladesh.