The NACIL, set up following the merger of Air India and Indian on March 30, has a cargo capacity of two tonnes in every direct Pune-Dubai flight that was started on December 12, 2005. “The use of cargo capacity of the direct Pune-Dubai flight began today with the successful export of the first consignment of flowers to West Asia. This is a historical day and will begin the export of perishable agriculture items directly through the flight,” said Area Marketing Manager of Air India for Pune region, Dhairyashil Vandekar.

Though, the use of cargo capacity has been made first by Talegaon Dabhade based Avishkar Floritech, he said the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) has assured of using the cargo facility to export vegetables and fruits through the flight — IC 689. The first consignment comprised 4,000 stems of Dutch Roses, 1,800 stems of Garbera and 450 stems of Tube Roses.

There is a great potential for export of agriculture produce from western Maharashtra and the cargo capacity will give the required fillip to the farmers to get better market for their produce, Vandekar added.

Proprietor of Avishkar Floritech, Rajkumar More, said the prices of flower in the west Asian market was double that in India and exports through the direct Pune-Dubai flight would increase the profit margin of farmers.

He said the client in Dubai has given a order of 60,000 flowers to them to meet the demand for Valentine’s Day celebrations on February 14. “We will try to fulfill the order by February 11 as the Pune Airport will be closed from February 12 to 26 for recarpeting of the runway,” More said.

There was also the option of exporting via Mumbai airport, he added.