Bhogapuram airport cargo hub raises hopes of better returns for farmers
The dedicated cargo terminal at the upcoming Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram is expected to transform marketing opportunities for agricultural and marine produce from North Andhra, with farmers and traders hopeful that the facility will help them secure better prices by providing access to national and international markets.
The airport has a 5,000-square-metre cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes. It is expected to handle pharmaceuticals, aquaculture products, horticultural produce and other perishable goods.
GMR Group Business Chairman G.B.S. Raju said the Bhogapuram airport has been developed with a long-term vision to create opportunities in trade, cargo, tourism and aviation-linked industries.
Local farmers believe the cargo infrastructure could reduce their dependence on middlemen and open up new markets for their produce.
“We often have to sell mangoes and cashew at whatever price traders offer because transporting them to distant markets is difficult. If exports become easier from Bhogapuram, farmers will finally get better value for their hard work,” said a mango grower from Vizianagaram district.
A coconut farmer from Bhogapuram mandal said, “The cargo terminal gives us the confidence to diversify into more horticultural crops. Better market access means we can plan cultivation without worrying about distress sales.”
Traders also believe the airport will improve the transportation of perishable commodities.
“Quick transportation is essential for fruits, vegetables and seafood. The new cargo facility will help us deliver fresh produce to major cities and overseas destinations, benefiting both farmers and traders,” said a wholesale trader from Vizianagaram.
An aquaculture exporter said the airport would significantly reduce transit time. “Faster shipments will improve product quality and help us compete in export markets. It is a major advantage for North Andhra,” he said.
A.P. Markfed Chairman Karrotu Bangarraju said agricultural produce from the region could now reach markets across the country and abroad. He said the increase in export and import activity would generate direct and indirect employment while strengthening the regional economy.
Businessman and TDP Vizianagaram district president Makkuva Sridhar said the cargo facility would enable growers of mango, cashew, coconut and other crops to secure remunerative prices and encourage the expansion of horticulture in the district.
A.P. Chamber of Commerce board director Yarlagadda Geeta Srikanth said commercial and cargo operations at the airport would act as a catalyst for economic growth across North Andhra.