Odisha’s Dragon Fruit Reaches Dubai Again – Balangir District Sets New Milestone

Sept 2025 : Odisha’s dragon fruit has entered the international market for the second consecutive year. From Balangir district, 330 kg (0.33 metric tons) of dragon fruit was exported to Dubai. This marks another significant achievement in the state’s agriculture and horticulture export landscape, further strengthening efforts to secure better prices for Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).

20% Increase in Price

The dragon fruit grown in Patnagarh was sold at ₹300 per kg, up 20% from last year’s ₹250 per kg. This reflects not just a market trend but also indicates rising demand, improved quality, and enhanced farmer incomes.

State Government’s Initiative

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha, has been implementing schemes to promote and strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the state. Through institutional support, market access, and capacity building, FPOs are being empowered to adopt modern and innovative farming practices and earn profits through the export of high-value crops.

Presence of Key Dignitaries

During the export event, Director (Horticulture) Mr. Subrat Kumar Panda, Joint Director (Horticulture) Mr. Praful Kumar Bhanja, Manager (AAICLAS) Mr. Rahul Ranjan, officials from the Directorate of Horticulture, and representatives of Palladium were present.

Statement by Subrat Kumar Panda

Mr. Panda said, “This is a moment of pride for both Balangir district and Odisha. The successful export of dragon fruit for the second year in a row reflects the state’s growing potential in market-oriented, high-value horticulture. It also showcases Odisha’s readiness to become competitive in global markets.”

Project Supporting the Export

This success was made possible under the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) Project, implemented by Palladium with support from the Gates Foundation. The project focuses on capacity building, market integration, and facilitating exports. With the support of APEDA, farmers were also provided marketing assistance to access international markets.

Future Outlook

Farmers in Balangir are now showing interest in cultivating dragon fruit, kiwi, and other exotic high-value crops. This signifies a major shift towards modern agricultural practices and deeper integration with global markets.