Due to improved cargo facilities at the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), the coast is now exporting clawed crustaceans to China.
For example, export trader Fayaz Ahmad is benefiting from the export of crabs to China, via Bengaluru and Kolkata, from the MIA’s Integrated Cargo Terminal (ICT), which became operational a few months ago. He sources the crabs from Maharashtra, coastal Karnataka and Kerala. According to an MIA spokesperson, local marine product exporters are using the ICT to route their products to overseas clientele. Fayaz Ahmed, one such exporter who ships marine products in general and crabs in particular to China via Kolkata says the cargo terminal is a boon for his ilk. “Crabs fetch a premium in the China market. The assistance given by the airport in speedy and timely dispatch of such cargo will encourage exporters to use this facility regularly,” he avers.
Besides, Mangaluru-based Aquatic Biosystems also uses a cargo facility to air transport freshwater ornamental fish that has a market in India and Europe.
“The streamlined approach of handling cargo is one of the major commitments that the airport had given to the local trade body – the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at a recent interaction meeting with their members,” the airport spokesperson said. “Efforts are on to start international cargo operations as demanded by KCCI. This will become operational once the airport receives customs clearance/custodianship for export handling,” the spokesperson added.