'Apples of Kashmir can now reach Kanyakumari,' says Goyal as Railways launch 'Kisan Rail'

Furring Centre's initiative of doubling farmer's income by 2024, Indian Railways on Friday flagged off its first 'Kisan Rail' which will carry farmer's produce to different parts of country.

first Kisan Rail which was inaugurated by Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Agricultural Minister Narendra Singh Tomar via video conference is running between Devlali in Maharashtra's Nashik to Danapur in Bihar's Patna. Kisan Rail is said to run on a weekly basis and will reach Danapur at 6:45 pm on Saturday after covering journey of 1,519 kilometres in over 31 hours.

"It was guidance and inspiration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Indian Railways have started Kisan Rail. This train will serve as a milestone in doubling Farmers income. 

Indian Railways and Farmers had been forefront in battle against Covid challenges. Foodgrains freight was doubled during period. Interest of Indian Farmers is being looked after like never before. I am looking forward to see day when apples of Kashmir reach Kanyakumari through Kisan Rail," said Piyush Goyal.

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Game-changer in agriculture sector 

Tomar while speaking on occasion remarked that Kisan Rail will t only ensure that agriculture produce reaches best possible distribution but also ensure good returns to farmers of produce. "Indian farmers have proved that y would never be deterred by any calamity or challenge. Kisan Rail will ensure that agriculture products reach from one corner to ar corner of country," he said.

Kisan Rail is being seen as a game-changer in ensuring fast transportation of agriculture produce across nation. Amid Coronavirus pandemic, Railways emerged at forefront of ensuring that re was a constant supply of foodgrains across country. Ministry w aims to double farmers' income with this initiative. 

"This train will help in bringing perishable agricultural products like vegetables, fruits to market in a short period of time. train with frozen containers is expected to build a seamless national cold supply chain for perishables, inclusive of fish, meat and milk," read release. 

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(With ncy Inputs)