Dragon Fruit Export from Odisha to Dubai

In a significant milestone for Odisha’s agricultural sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Directorate of Horticulture, with support from Palladium’s technical unit under the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) project, have successfully facilitated the export of 4 quintals of organic dragon fruit from Patnagarh, Balangir district, to Dubai. This marks the first-ever dragon fruit export from Odisha, with the batch shipped through Bhubaneswar International Airport.

Flagged off by DCM

The shipment was ceremoniously flagged off by Honourable Deputy Chief Minister Shri K V Singh Deo, along with key dignitaries including Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda K Padhee, IAS, Director of Horticulture Mr. Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, IAS, APEDA’s Regional Director Mr. Sitakanta Mandal, and Mr. Biswajit Behera, Associate Director of Palladium. The event also saw participation from representatives of the Airport Authority of India, World Trade Centre, and VeloExim.

The Journey of Odisha’s Dragon Fruit

The dragon fruit, celebrated for its vibrant red flesh and superior size, was meticulously grown using organic farming methods. Despite its premium quality, local markets were saturated, leading to low prices ranging between Rs 120 and Rs 160 per kg. However, this export initiative has elevated the status of the fruit, now fetching a price of Rs 250 to Rs 260 per kg in the international market.

Honourable Deputy Chief Minister Shri K V Singh Deo expressed his excitement over the achievement, highlighting the health benefits of organic dragon fruits, particularly for cancer patients, and their role in managing blood pressure and sugar levels. He emphasized the potential to expand exports to Southeast Asian countries, where demand for such produce is high. Shri Singh Deo expressed gratitude towards APEDA, the Directorate of Horticulture, and Palladium for making this export initiative a success.

Future Prospects for Odisha’s Exports

Mr. Biswajit Behera, Associate Director of Palladium, shared the organization’s vision for expanding Odisha’s agricultural exports. Through the Market System Development (MSD) approach, Palladium has been working closely with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to meet international quality standards. Since May 2024, Palladium has facilitated exports from various districts of Odisha to seven countries.

Mr. Behera highlighted that the export of organic dragon fruits has led to a 100% increase in price value in the international market. He also emphasized that the fully organic nature of these fruits offers numerous health benefits, making them highly sought after globally. Looking ahead, Palladium aims to expand Odisha’s export portfolio to include spices, floriculture, millets, and fresh vegetables.

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