Dragon fruit from Odisha has entered international markets for the second consecutive year, with produce from Balangir district exported to Dubai, UAE. The shipment marks ongoing growth in Odisha's agri-horticulture export sector, which is seeing rising international demand and improved price realisation for farmer-producer companies.
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha, has been working to strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) through institutional support, market access initiatives, and capacity-building programs. These measures have enabled farmers to aggregate produce, adopt modern cultivation practices, and supply high-value crops to both domestic and international markets, aligning production with global demand.
Balangir district, the home district of the state's Deputy Chief Minister, exported 330 kg (0.33 MT) of dragon fruit to Dubai. The fruit was cultivated in Patnagarh and sold at ₹300/kg, a 20% increase over last year's rate of ₹250/kg (US$3.00/kg). The price rise reflects increased demand and market access for high-value horticulture crops.
The export event was attended by officials including Shri Subrat Kumar Panda (Director, Horticulture), Shri Praful Kumar Bhanja (Joint Director, Horticulture), and Shri Rahul Ranjan (Manager, AAICLAS), along with representatives from the Directorate of Horticulture and Palladium.
Speaking at the event, Shri Subrat Kumar Panda, Director, Horticulture, said, "This is a proud moment for Balangir district and Odisha. The consecutive successful export of dragon fruit once again this year reflects the state's growing capabilities in market-driven high-value horticulture. It signals Odisha's readiness to tap into competitive global markets."
Farmers in Balangir are increasingly exploring exotic and high-value crops such as dragon fruit and kiwi, indicating a shift towards modern agricultural practices and integration into international trade.
The export was facilitated under the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer-Producer Organizations (PSFPO) project, implemented by Palladium with support from the Gates Foundation. The project focuses on strengthening FPOs through capacity building, market integration, and export facilitation. Marketing support for this shipment was provided in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), enabling farmers to reach international buyers and secure higher returns.
Source: Global Agriculture
