Odisha CM Flags Off First Mango Export to Abu Dhabi via Inaugural Flight; Balangir Leads Odisha’s Global Agri-Push

The consignment was flagged off from Patnagarh in the esteemed presence of officials from the district administration, the Horticulture Department, representatives from Palladium, export partners, and members of the FPO.

In a landmark moment for Odisha’s agri-export journey, the Chief Minister of Odisha today, June 12, 2025, flagged off the first consignment of mangoes to Abu Dhabi via the inaugural international flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar. The premium Amrapali mangoes, cultivated in Patnagarh, Balangir, mark the state’s maiden export to Abu Dhabi, ushering in a new chapter in international trade connectivity.

Balangir has emerged as a key agri-export hub this year, leading not only in mangoes but also in dragon fruit and other high-value superfoods. The region’s farmers have attracted both national and international buyers, positioning Balangir at the forefront of Odisha’s expanding agricultural footprint.

The mangoes were cultivated by the Patnagarh Pragati Farmer Producer Company Limited (FPC) and are being exported with the support of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha, APEDA, Palladium (as the Technical Support Unit), and PRB Superfoods.

The consignment was flagged off from Patnagarh in the esteemed presence of officials from the district administration, the Horticulture Department, representatives from Palladium, export partners, and members of the FPO. With the active support and coordination of the district administration, the export process was carried out smoothly and routed via Bhubaneswar Airport for international shipment.

“Odisha’s farmers are making their mark globally. With strategic support from DA&FE and dedicated partners like Palladium, our smallholders are stepping into international markets with confidence. This first export to Abu Dhabi is not just a milestone, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when government, grassroots, and private partners come together,” said the Chief Minister of Odisha.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who graced the occasion, remarked, “It is a proud moment for Patnagarh and the entire Balangir district that our mangoes, superfoods, and other agricultural products are now reaching global markets. This reflects the unwavering efforts of our farmers and highlights the immense agri-export potential of our region.”

Adding further dignity to the event was the presence of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and Principal Secretary Usha Padhee of the Housing and Urban Development Department. The dignitaries commended the efforts of farmers, officials, and partners for contributing to Odisha’s growing recognition in global agri-markets.

London Gets a Taste of Balangir Mangoes Too

On the same day, 2.5 MT of mangoes from the same FPO were also exported to London via Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, signaling growing international demand for mangoes from Odisha’s western belt.

Strategic Support Behind the Success

These exports are facilitated under the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) Project, led by the Assistant Director of Horticulture, Patnagarh, under DA&FE. The project is implemented by Palladium with support from the Gates Foundation, in collaboration with NABARD and coordinated by APEDA as the export partner.

The comprehensive support system includes:

• Identifying international market opportunities

• Enabling export compliance and certifications

• Streamlining post-harvest protocols and logistics

• Building the export capacity of grassroots FPOs like Patnagarh Pragati

Empowering Farmers with Global Access

Thanks to these export initiatives, farmers are now earning at least 50% more than local market rates, benefiting from direct access to overseas buyers, improved product quality, and collective aggregation through FPOs. This marks a transformative step toward rural prosperity powered by export-led agriculture.

First published on: 12 Jun 2025, 08:34 IST

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