Guwahati: The Kisan Rail trains have gotten a positive reaction in Assam and the north-eastern area, and the Indian Railways is eager to expand the service's reach in this region.

"The response from the farmers and cultivators is gradually increasing as they adjust their production pattern and cycle with the Kisan Rail service. While it may take some time to nurture the agro traffic in this region as market forces take time to convert to a new system," a senior Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) official mentioned.

Last year, Indian Railways launched the Kisan Rail train service to carry perishables and agricultural products such as milk, meat, and fish.

"This model of product transportation is based on a multi-commodity, multi-consignor/consignee, and multi-loading and unloading paradigm." The major goal of the Kisan Rail trains is to enhance agricultural revenue by connecting production centres to markets and consuming centres. Its goal is to provide farmers with a larger market and easier access to new markets, as well as faster commodity delivery and less waste.

Small and marginal farmers are being given special attention in order to assist them profit from this service," the source added.

On November 26 of last year, the first Kisan Rail train to the NFR zone arrived in New Guwahati from Lakshmi Bai Nagar (Indore).

Since then, 38 Kisan Rail trains have been loaded in the North East to convey commodities within the area or to supply neighbouring states, while 95 others have arrived from other regions of the nation.

New Guwahati, Jorhat Town, Azara, Tinsukia, Changsari, Agartala, and Dimapur are among the North East destinations now served by the service.

"NFR is eager to extend the Kisan special service in response to rising demand, ensuring that farmers' transportation needs are met without delay and that the local market is fostered and expanded. The Kisan Rail trains in this region transport onion, potato, rubber saplings, and pineapple, among other items. Before the beginning of this unique train service, hardly any of these products were delivered on a big scale over the railway network "Added the official.

The Kisan Rail trains follow predetermined routes, according to the official, and their punctuality is closely checked to avoid any en-route detentions or delays.

"The product or commodities on the authorised list published by the Ministry of Agriculture are given a 50% discount against freight costs, lowering the transport cost for the farmers significantly," the source added.