A consignment of around 10 metric tons of Amrapali mangoes from Dhenkanal, Odisha, was dispatched to European markets, including the UK and Italy, officials have confirmed. Over 100 women mango farmers received training on export standards, which could reshape local economic activities through international trade.
Arabinda Padhee, secretary of the agriculture and farmers' empowerment department, stated, "Five metric tons of Amrapali mangoes were shipped from Dhenkanal to England in the last three days. Odisha's fruits and vegetables exports are gaining global momentum. New destinations — Rome, Venice, Birmingham — and products such as jackfruit, drumstick, wood apple, and ice apple are growing the export basket."
The initiative was boosted by a capacity-building program supported by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the consulting firm Grant Thornton Bharat. This program has assisted farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in overcoming post-harvest challenges and enhancing export readiness.
Sambit Sasmal, an agri-export consultant, commented, "More than 33 FPOs across eight districts in Odisha have benefited, with support extended to over 100 women farmers on best practices, including sorting, grading, cleaning, packaging, and storing to maintain international export quality."
The state government has provided subsidies for equipment such as coolers and plastic crates, along with rent assistance for transit and storage. There is also backing for value addition, branding, and marketing efforts.
Jyotirmayee Pradhan, a mango farmer from Dhenkanal, remarked, "The knowledge has freed us from depending on local dealers who offered low prices. Now we pluck and package as per international standards and connect directly with global buyers." The initiative reportedly lets women farmers earn around 10 times more from exports compared to local sales. Local cultivation covers 9.34 hectares in Dhenkanal, with potential for premium quality exports being explored. Last year saw shipments to Dubai, and approximately 50 tons are projected for global export by June this year.
Pradhan, along with Padmini Sahoo, a board member of an FPO, indicated during a recent dispatch that, "The export opportunity has increased our earnings 10-fold. Odisha's women mango farmers are no longer just cultivators but are emerging as key players in international agri markets."
Source: Times of India
