Bhubaneswar: Bringing cheers to the farmers of Odisha, mangoes from the state have now hit the international market.
With the state government initiating efforts to promote mangoes of different varieties globally, the juicy fruit is now gaining popularity in several European countries.
Following the efforts made by the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, Amrapali, Langra and Mallika mangoes were recently exported to European countries from districts like Dhenkanal and Balangir.
Officials said that around ten metric tonnes of Amrapali mangoes from Dhenkanal were exported last week to European markets, including UK and Italy. This is set to transform local livelihood options as over 100 women mango farmers have now been trained on export standards and international trade.
According to Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Arabinda Padhee, five metric tonnes of Amrapali mangoes were sent from Dhenkanal to England in the last couple of days as fruits and vegetables exports from the state are gaining global momentum.
Apart from Mango, other products like jackfruit, wood apple and drumstick are also gaining popularity in markets of Rome, Venice, Birmingham and other places.
The capacity-building programme by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is immensely helping the farmer producer organisations (FPO)s in meeting post-harvest challenges and enhancing export readiness.
Official sources said 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.
State govt also provided interventions like subsidies for coolers and plastic crates, transit and storage rent assistance, and support for value addition, branding and marketing.
Similarly, the Balangir district administration has taken concrete steps for the export of high-quality fresh mangoes from Titlagarh to London. Mangoes have been collected from farmers for export in collaboration with ORMAS, NABARD, the Horticulture Department, the Agriculture Department, ASHA Institutions, JADEN Institutions, and Kisan Abhiyan Institutions.
As per Titlagarh Sub-Collector Rehan Kshetri, farmers were struggling due to a lack of stockyards and marketing options, leading to distress sales. The district administration has addressed these issues to ensure farmers receive fair prices and that Odisha’s mangoes can establish a presence in the international market.
“We are exporting 50 quintals of mangoes to New Delhi and London. Exporters are attracted to our high-quality fresh mangoes, and we will strive to maintain this smoothly,” said an official. Following specific steps, over 50 quintals of high-quality fresh mangoes were exported to London and New Delhi, bringing happiness among farmers and fruit growers.
