Date:04/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/07/04/stories/2005070400740700.htm

Back Kamal Nath wants air cargo rate cut to boost floriculture exports

Our Bureau

Bangalore , July 3

THE Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Kamal Nath, said exorbitant air cargo rate was one of the main bottlenecks in the export of floriculture products, and added that he proposed to hold discussions with the international cargo movers to reduce the rates.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the three-day floriculture exhibition Flora Expo 2005 in Bangalore.

"Though India is blessed with favourable climatic conditions for floriculture, our share of exports in the global market was only about 0.5 per cent," Mr Kamal Nath said. However, India's proximity to growing economies in East Asia and the Gulf offered good opportunities, he said, adding that a game plan should be evolved to boost the country's floriculture exports to Rs 1,000 crore in the next five years. At present, floriculture exports stood at around Rs 250 crore against less than Rs 20 crore a decade ago.