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Odisha’s agricultural export ambitions took another step forward this week, as 330 kilograms of premium dragon fruit from Balangir district reached Dubai—marking the second consecutive year the state’s exotic produce has landed on international shelves. The shipment underscores the state’s growing foothold in the global agri-horticulture trade, with rising demand translating into better prices for farmers.
The fruit, cultivated in Patnagarh, fetched Rs 300 per kilogram—up 20 per cent from last year’s Rs 250—signaling both improved quality and a strengthening market for high-value horticulture crops.
The export initiative, coordinated by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE) under the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) project, highlights Odisha’s strategy to strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) through institutional support, capacity building, and market integration. The PSFPO project, implemented by Palladium and supported by the Gates Foundation, has been instrumental in enabling farmers to aggregate produce, adopt modern cultivation methods, and access premium global markets.
“This is a proud moment for Balangir district and for Odisha,” said Subrat Kumar Panda, Director of Horticulture. “The consecutive successful export of dragon fruit reflects the state’s growing capabilities in market-driven high-value horticulture and signals Odisha’s readiness to compete in global markets.”
The export, supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and logistics partner AAICLAS, comes amid a broader push to promote exotic crops like kiwi alongside dragon fruit. For Balangir’s farmers, it represents both higher income potential and a pathway into the premium export segment.
With its combination of government support, international partnerships, and farmer-led innovation, Odisha is positioning itself as a key player in India’s agri-horticulture export map—turning niche crops into global opportunities.