Lemons from Angul (Anugul) district in Odisha have been exported to the United States this month, with nearly 100,000 pieces shipped in three consignments. The exports were facilitated by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) in collaboration with the farmer-producer company Cropify, based in Jarapada.
According to ORMAS officials, the first shipment of 26,000 lemons was dispatched on August 7. In the past, farmers sold lemons at 20 to 30 paise per piece, with 100 lemons often fetching just Rs 20–30 (US$0.24–0.36). With the new procurement system, farmers now receive Rs 1 (US$0.012) per piece, raising income levels three to four times compared to before.
Apart from fresh exports, preparations are underway for value-added products such as juices, pickles, and squashes to reach broader markets.
Farmer Bipin Sahu explained: "Earlier, I could hardly earn Rs 20,000–30,000 (US$240–360) a year from selling lemons. This year, I was even planning to cut down my lemon trees and shift to other crops. But after selling lemons with ORMAS' support, I am hopeful of making good profits. Earlier, due to poor prices in the market, we often left lemons unharvested. Now, that will no longer happen."
Another grower, Tunia Sahu, said: "Previously, traders paid us only 20 paise per lemon. Since the harvesting cost was higher, around Rs 6 per sack, we had stopped plucking lemons. But now, with the government ensuring Rs 1 per lemon, we are very happy. We have also demanded that in the future, lemons should be procured at Rs 1.50 each."
ORMAS Deputy CEO Biman Mal confirmed recent shipments: "We are exporting lemons, and farmers are getting a lot of benefits, as they are receiving higher prices. Around 30,000–40,000 lemons have been exported recently. We are also preparing lemon juice, khatta, and many more products."
Source: IANSlive
