Balangir FPOs in Odisha reach global market with fresh vegetable export to Dubai

New Delhi: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment in Odisha is promoting cluster-mode vegetable cultivation, propelling local farmers onto the global stage.

With Palladium serving as the Technical Support Unit under the Directorate of Horticulture, and in collaboration with APEDA, ORMAS, and NABARD, the initiative has facilitated the export of fresh vegetables from Odisha to international markets.

Three Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from the Titlagarh and Loisingha blocks of Balangir district—Jaden Farmer Producer Company, Krushak Unnayan Sangathan Farmer Producer Company, and Undher Farmer Producer Company—have successfully exported 800 kilograms of high-quality vegetables, including Pointed Gourd, Okra, Bitter Gourd, and Ivy Gourd, to Dubai. This marks a significant milestone for the region once known as part of the remote KBK area.

Prafulla Kumar Bhanja, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Balangir, expressed, “Today is a proud day for Balangir district, as fresh vegetables from this district are being exported to Dubai. This has been possible because of the handholding support and constant encouragement of the PSFPO team from Palladium. I would like to thank the local farmers, FPOs, local NGOs, NABARD, ORMAS, and district horticultural officers because of whose support and cooperation this was possible. I hope that this initiative continues.”

Kamalendu Paul, Joint CEO of ORMAS, highlighted, “It is for the first time that fresh vegetables from the district have reached the international market through export. I want to thank the local NGO ASSA, ORMAS, NABARD, District agriculture and horticulture officials, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, and special thanks to Palladium for providing end-to-end support under the PSFPO project for facilitating the export. As a result of this initiative, four FPOs in the district will now be able to supply fresh vegetables to Dubai for the upcoming 12 weeks.”

Dr. Sudhanshu K. K. Mishra, Chief General Manager of NABARD, elaborated, “The export will benefit the members of FPO as the farmer will get nearly 25% more than the farm gate and the FPO will also earn a profit of 25%, which excludes transportation and other expenses that will be borne by the exporter. NABARD, Odisha RO as a pilot, has selected three Northern Odisha districts i.e Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Balasore for the cultivation of three vegetables such as okra, bitter gourd and long beans through NABARD promoted FPOs for export to Dubai. Accordingly, a one-day sensitization workshop involving APEDA, Directorate of Horticulture, NABARD, FPO members & CBBO/POPI representatives of respective FPOs was conducted on 18 July 2024 at Baripada, Mayurbhanj district.” 

Palladium’s marketing and capacity-building support has opened global markets for these FPOs, enabling them to supply fresh vegetables internationally throughout the year. This strategic export initiative has resulted in a 30-40% increase in price realization, boosting income and economic stability for farming communities.

Biswajit Behera, Associate Director at Palladium, emphasized, “By enabling smallholder farmers, including women farmers, to access international markets, we are not only ensuring higher price realizations but also setting the stage for a new revolution in agriculture. Women farmers, when given the right opportunities, can drive significant economic and social change. By focusing on women-led FPOs, Palladium wants to tap into the power of inclusivity and empowerment in driving sustainable development.”

Palladium aims to increase the export of fruits and vegetables while adhering to quality standards, continuing to transform the lives of smallholders and drive sustainable growth and prosperity for farmers in Odisha and beyond.