Balangir: In a significant step toward boosting mango exports and improving livelihoods for farmers, a strategic training and planning workshop was recently held at the Office of the Assistant Director of Horticulture (ADH), Patnagarh. The event was organized under the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) project, an initiative by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha, with support from the Gates Foundation.
Led by Palladium India, the technical support agency for the PSFPO project, the workshop brought together mango farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Cluster-Based Business Organizations (CBBOs), and horticulture officials. With over 1,500 hectares under mango cultivation in the region, which is home to commercial varieties like Amrapali, Dasheri, and Langra, the initiative aims to unlock export potential by enhancing post-harvest practices and building robust market linkages.
Focus on Quality, Market Access, and Export Readiness
The core objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of FPOs and growers in scientific post-harvest management (PHM). This is a critical area for reducing losses, maintaining fruit quality, and accessing domestic and international markets. Special emphasis was placed on the Amrapali variety, which has shown strong export potential in the Balangir district.
Participants received hands-on knowledge in sorting, grading, ripening, hygienic packaging, and storage, along with guidance on meeting quality standards required for exports. The session also provided practical information on accessing government support under the PHM scheme, including crates, cold chain logistics, and transit assistance.
Field Demonstration and Market Mapping
Following the classroom sessions, a field demonstration was conducted across five mango orchards. Experts showcased post-harvest best practices from plucking to packaging, illustrating how growers can maintain fruit quality, reduce spoilage, and improve returns.
In parallel, the Palladium team conducted a market mapping survey of mango orchards in Patnagarh. Preliminary findings revealed a strong presence of export-grade Amrapali mangoes, highlighting Balangir’s potential to develop as a mango export cluster with the right support and market connections.
Collaborative Effort: Government and Palladium in Action
The initiative reflects a broader government effort to support horticulture producers through strategic partnerships. The District Horticulture Officer, Patnagarh, played a key role in mobilizing farmers and coordinating efforts. Palladium provided technical training and facilitated market connections, while FPOs and CBBOs began implementing improved practices on the ground.
“Today, a successful training programme on post-harvest handling of mango for export was conducted at the office of the Assistant Director of Horticulture, Patnagarh. Typically, outside vendors lease orchards early, depriving farmers of fair prices despite having export-quality produce. This training, with support from the Department and Palladium, is helping farmers adopt best practices and access better markets.”
— Additional Director of Horticulture, Patnagarh
A Step Toward Agricultural Transformation
This initiative marks a major milestone in Odisha’s path toward agricultural transformation and rural prosperity. By equipping mango growers with technical skills, connecting them to better markets, and strengthening institutional support, Balangir is now well-positioned to emerge as a key mango export hub.
