Cuttack: Dhenkanal’s mangoes are set to conquer wider global markets this year with Odisha officially kicking off its 2026 export season by sending the first consignment of premium Amrapali mangoes to London from the district this week.A shipment of 3 metric tonnes (MT) of mangoes were exported under the supervision of the directorate of horticulture was facilitated through a coordinated effort involving farmer producer companies (FPCs), Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS).A senior horticulture official said, “The shipment as a ‘strong beginning’ for Odisha’s mango export ambitions. Last year, the state exported over 120 MT of mangoes to more than 11 countries, and authorities are now targeting exports exceeding 500 MT this season.”The initiative has generated fresh optimism among mango growers, many of whom are now looking at exports as a stable and profitable market avenue.An ORMAS official said, “More than 200 farmers, including women from different parts of Dhenkanal district were engaged in the procurement and export process. Premium-quality Amrapali mangoes were collected from orchards across the district through farmer-producer companies (FPCs), ensuring uniform quality and timely supply for the international shipment.”Subal Jenamani, head of ORMAS, Dhenkanal, said, “Special emphasis was laid on export-grade sorting, grading and packaging to meet international quality standards. The mangoes were carefully packed using specialised packaging materials and handling procedures to maintain freshness during transit to London,” he added.“Training sessions and technical guidance were also provided to farmers and FPC members to ensure compliance with export protocol and post-harvest management practices,” informed Jenamani.“We are happy that our mangoes are reaching an international market like London. Earlier, we depended only on local traders, but exports have helped us get better prices and confidence for the future,” said Suresh Behera, a mango farmer from Hindol in Dhenkanal.Officials said, “The initiative has significantly improved farmer earnings, with price realisation increasing by nearly 72% compared to local market sales. The export was undertaken by Madanamohan Farmer Producer Cooperative Society Limited, DKL Innovative Farmer Producer Company Limited.”Sitakanta Mandal, regional head of APEDA, said, “Continuous sensitisation was done with experts. FPCs need continuous learning and preparedness to meet international market requirements and build long-term credibility.”
