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On September 4, 2024, Odisha reached a significant milestone by exporting its first batch of dragon fruit to the international market. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Odisha Directorate of Horticulture, and Palladium, working together through the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) program initiative, facilitated this historic export. Approximately four quintals of premium quality, organically grown dragon fruit were dispatched from Patnagarh in Balangir district to Dubai via Bhubaneswar International Airport.
The official send-off ceremony for the shipment was graced by Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda K Padhee, Director of Horticulture Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, APEDA Regional Director Sitakanta Mandal, and Palladium’s Associate Director Biswajit Behera. Representatives from the Airport Authority of India, World Trade Centre, and VeloExim were also present for the event.
The dragon fruits, known for their vibrant red flesh and large size, were cultivated using organic farming methods. Due to oversupply in the local market, prices had dropped to between ₹120 and ₹160 per kilogram. However, this export initiative has enabled farmers to sell their produce at significantly higher prices, ranging from ₹250 to ₹260 per kilogram in the international market.
Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo praised the initiative, emphasizing the health benefits of organic dragon fruits, such as lowering blood pressure, managing sugar levels, and aiding cancer patients. He expressed optimism about expanding exports to Southeast Asian countries with high demand and commended APEDA, the Directorate of Horticulture, and Palladium India for their efforts.
Biswajit Behera, Associate Director at Palladium India, highlighted that Palladium’s Market System Development (MSD) approach has helped Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) access international markets while ensuring quality control. May 2024, Palladium has enabled the export of goods from several districts in Odisha to seven different countries. Behera expressed delight at the global recognition of Odisha’s dragon fruits and other crops. Future plan includes increasing exports of spices, floriculture, millets, and fresh vegetables.
Ongoing Efforts to Strengthen the Farmer Ecosystem: This successful export reflects Palladium's continuous efforts to strengthen Odisha's farmer ecosystem. Collaborating with the state government and APEDA, Palladium is working to enhance farmer skills, improve supply chains, and develop new market opportunities. Besides dragon fruits, recent exports also include mangoes and vegetables, with future plans to expand spice exports to new markets, including the European Union.
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