50 quintals of Balangir mangoes exported to Europe
Balangir: In a move to tap high-value markets for local horticultural produce, two farmer producer organisations (FPOs) from Titilagarh in Balangir district have successfully exported a 50-quintal consignment of assorted mango varieties to Europe and supplied another 20 quintals to Mother Dairy in New Delhi over the past week.
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This market linkage was facilitated through the support and collaboration of various institutions, including National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (
), the department of horticulture, Odisha Rural Development And Marketing Society (ORMAS), and Anchalik Samrudhi Sadhana Anusthan (ASSA). ASSA is a local non-governmental organization that promotes and guides the FPOs by providing training, capacity building, and assistance in buyer negotiations.
"This marks a turning point for mango farmers in the region, who have traditionally depended on local markets with inconsistent pricing. Through collective action, aggregation, and direct market linkages with institutional buyers like Mother Dairy, we are witnessing real benefits reaching the grassroots level," said Bivek Kumar Nayak, district development manager, NABARD.
Plans are already underway to increase the volume of produce and include other seasonal fruits and vegetables in future consignments.
"This initiative, as a replicable model for FPO-led horticulture marketing, will be scaled up in different areas of the district," stated Sanjib Kumar Pattnaik, secretary, ASSA.
More than 25 small mango farmers have benefited from the initiative, receiving fair prices for their produce and avoiding distress sales. The FPOs procured mangoes from member farmers and, after quality checks, grading, and packaging, sold them to buyers at rs 70 per kg.
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A consignment of the Amrapali variety was exported to European countries via air cargo on May 5. Another batch consisting of Mallika, Lengeda, Amrapali, and Dasheri varieties was dispatched to Delhi on Sunday.
A consignment of the Amrapali variety was exported to European countries via air cargo on May 5. Another batch consisting of Mallika, Lengeda, Amrapali, and Dasheri varieties was dispatched to Delhi on Sunday.
"We are pleased with this initiative, which strengthens FPOs, reduces dependence on middlemen, and ensures better incomes for small and marginal farmers. The improved prices have motivated farmers to consider expanding mango cultivation in the coming seasons," said a member of the FPO.
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