Odisha exports dragon fruits to Dubai

Odisha exports dragon fruits to Dubai.

After entering international markets last year, dragon fruits from Odisha have once again reached global markets continuing their second year.

Balangir district of Odisha exported 330 kg of dragon fruits to Dubai on Friday. Cultivated in Patnagarh of Odisha, the fruit was sold at ₹300 a kg, a 20 per cent increase from last year’s rate of ₹250 a kg.

A media statement noted that this price jump is not just a market trend, it reflects rising demand, improved quality, and higher incomes for farmers cultivating high-value crops.

This marks a significant achievement in promoting the export of exotic horticulture produce and sets an inspiring example for the entire state, it said.

Farmers in Balangir are now actively exploring cultivation of exotic and high-value crops such as dragon fruit, kiwi, and others.

Rising capabilities

Quoting Subrat Kumar Panda, Director of Horticulture, Odisha, the statement said, “This is a proud moment for Balangir district and Odisha. The consecutive successful export of dragon fruit once again this year reflects the state’s growing capabilities in market-driven high-value horticulture. It signals Odisha’s readiness to tap into competitive global markets.”

This milestone has been made possible through the continued leadership of the Odisha Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, under the PSFPO (Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations) project, it said. The project is being implemented by Palladium, backed by the Gates Foundation, with a focus on strengthening FPOs through capacity building, market integration, and export facilitation.

Marketing support for the export was provided in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, the statement added.

More Like This

Published on August 9, 2025