Launched on August 7, 2020, Kisan Rail is a dedicated railway service aimed at facilitating the transportation of perishable agricultural produce. By connecting farmers with distant markets, the service helps in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing farmers’ incomes.

In a significant boost to the agricultural supply chain, Indian Railways has successfully operated 2,364 Kisan Rail services since the launch of Kisan Rail in August 2020, facilitating the swift transport of approximately 7.9 lakh tonnes of perishable food items from surplus regions to markets across the country. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided these details in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and minimising post-harvest losses.

Of the total Kisan Rail services, 65 have originated from Gujarat, transporting nearly 18,250 tonnes of fruits and vegetables to various destinations across India. These services have played a critical role in ensuring that fresh produce reaches consumers in a timely and cost-effective manner, reducing spoilage and providing farmers with better market access.

To optimize the movement of perishable goods, Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, State Governments, local bodies, and agricultural agencies, has identified key circuits for the efficient transportation of fruits, vegetables, and other perishable commodities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the logistics infrastructure and boost the agricultural economy.

Understanding Kisan Rail

Launched on August 7, 2020, Kisan Rail is a dedicated railway service aimed at facilitating the transportation of perishable agricultural produce. By connecting farmers with distant markets, the service helps in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing farmers’ incomes.

Key Features of Kisan Rail

• Purpose: Kisan Rail provides a cost-effective and efficient logistics solution for farmers, ensuring the seamless transportation of perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat.
• Operations: Routes for Kisan Rail services are determined based on demand from farmers and stakeholders, taking into account operational feasibility.
• Historical Milestones:
  • The first Kisan Rail service was flagged off on August 7, 2020, from Devlali (Maharashtra) to Danapur (Bihar).
  • The 100th trip under the Kisan Rail scheme was between Sangola (Maharashtra) and Shalimar (West Bengal), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 28, 2020.

Benefits of Kisan Rail

• Reduces post-harvest losses by ensuring quick and efficient transportation.
• Increases farmers’ incomes by providing access to larger markets.
• Facilitates the movement of agricultural produce from remote villages to urban centers.
• Encourages farmers to explore bigger markets and expand their trade.

Government Subsidy and Support

Under the “Operation Greens – TOP to Total” scheme by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, a 50% subsidy is granted on the transportation of fruits and vegetables via Kisan Rail. This subsidy is provided upfront at the time of booking, benefiting consignors and farmers directly.

Additionally, the Krishi Udan Scheme, launched in August 2020, complements Kisan Rail by facilitating the air transportation of agricultural produce from the North East, hilly, and tribal regions, further strengthening India’s agri-logistics network.

India’s Western Railway Shifts Chikoo Transport from Road to Rail

In a recent success story, the Business Development Unit (BDU) of Western Railway’s Mumbai Central Division has transitioned the transportation of chikoos from roadways to railways. This shift is expected to provide significant cost benefits to farmers while ensuring faster and fresher deliveries to distant markets.

A special train service from Bilimora to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi has been introduced as part of this initiative, following extensive discussions between railway officials and cooperative societies in Gujarat’s Valsad and Navsari regions. As a result, the V.V.K.S. Khedut Mandali in Amalsad transported approximately 35,000 boxes of chikoos via railway.

Advantages of Rail Transport Over Road

• Reduced Transit Time: The railway journey from Bilimora to Delhi takes just 24 hours, compared to 35 hours by road.
• Enhanced Freshness: The shorter transit time helps maintain the freshness of the fruit, ensuring premium pricing for farmers.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Rail transport reduces logistical costs and provides a more stable pricing model for agricultural produce.

Encouraged by this success, Western Railways has planned 14 additional rakes for perishable goods transport, generating an estimated revenue of Rs. 1.25 crore. This initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ broader strategy of leveraging rail networks to support the agricultural sector.

A senior Western Railway official highlighted that, buoyed by the positive response from chikoo farmers, the Business Development Unit is now engaging with Mango Cooperative Societies to facilitate similar railway transportation solutions for the upcoming mango season.

Kisan Rail’s Role During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of efficient logistics in ensuring food security. During this period, Indian Railways operated over 150 rakes of perishable cargo under the Kisan Rail scheme, enabling farmers to transport their produce without disruptions and reducing losses due to delayed transportation.

By shifting perishable transportation from road to rail, Indian Railways is not only improving supply chain efficiency but also contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. The continued expansion of Kisan Rail and other related initiatives is expected to further bolster India’s agricultural economy, providing farmers with better opportunities and consumers with fresher produce.