Poll code comes in way of India's first dedicated horticulture train

PUNE: This summer, fruits and vegetables will miss journey by India's first dedicated and air conditioned horticulture train due to state elections.

After its maiden trail carrying bananas from Bhusaval to the Azadpur mundi, the train is waiting for a trial run of its return journey carrying potatoes from Agra to Vashi mundi due the election code of conduct in Uttar Pradesh.

The Rs 16-crore fully air-conditioned and mechanised horticulture train is a joint initiative of the National Horticulture Board and ConCor.

"During the first trial run, the horticulture train carried bananas from Bhusaval to the Azadpur mundi in 26 hours. But the train could not take the return journey with potatoes from Agra to Vashi, Nashik and then Bhusaval, completing the cycle due to the election code of conduct. We will hold a meeting with potato growers after the voting gets over," said NHB managing director Bijay Kumar.

The NHB will have to place orders for spare rakes for running the train on a regular basis. "Only after farmers are satisfied, we can place orders for the additional rakes," said Kumar. The rakes may take about two months to come. This means that the horticulture train will not be useful for fruit and vegetable growers for most of the summer months.

Banana growers have other issues with the train. "The main banana growing region is Raver, Savda. We have to transport bananas for 45 km to load them on the train at Bhusaval. Farmers are not willing bear this additional transportation cost," said All India Banana Growers Association president Bhagvat Patil.