There appears to be delays in the lifting of the restrictions imposed by Health Department on the export of vegetable products through Karipur airport. Because of the absence of an “No Nipah Certificate” traders are forced to use other airports to sell their vegetables. A few traders have complained that despite lift of the restrictions on other airports within the state Karipur airport is not being considered.

The issue is that no matter how long gone by from the time Kozhikode was declared Nipah-free and Nipah-free, the Health Department is not taking the position of promoting exports via Karipur airport. The reason given from Health Department in this regard is: Health Department in this regard says: “In the event that Kozhikode is not suffering from Nipah and the certificate is issued only upon examining the statistics report. The medical officer of the district and collector are named as the responsible parties for this. Once this information is done, the restrictions is lifted.’

The reasons behind that Karipur limits the import of fresh vegetables and fruits in Tamil Nadu, a region that is not affected by Nipah is also one of the questions that remain unanswered. Every week Karipur exports 350 tonnes of fresh and cooked vegetables and fruits in a typical week.

Source: newsable.asianetnews.com