Bhubaneswar: Dragon fruit cultivated in Odisha that too in the farm of Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo has reached global market Dubai.
Today morning, the fruit has been exported from Biju Patnaik International Airport cargo terminal here to Dubai.
This fruit grown in Patnagarh in Balangir district has been exported to Dubai. Earlier mangoes from Dhenkanal, parwal from Bolangir have been exported abroad. Now the government is stressing upon horticulture, and advising farmers to adopt this practice.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Directorate of Horticulture with support from Palladium as the technical support unit (TSU) of the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) project facilitated first ever export of dragon fruits from Patnagarh, Balangir district to Dubai.
Around 4 quintals of premium quality organically grown dragon fruit has been supplied to Dubai through Bhubaneswar airport, officials said.
Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo along with Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, and Director of Horticulture Nikhil Pavan Kalyan flagged off the consignment at the airport.
The Dragon fruits, known for their vibrant red flesh and superior size were meticulously cultivated using organic practices. Despite their quality, local market saturation had led to low prices—ranging from Rs 120 to 160 per kg. However, this export initiative has elevated the status of Dragon fruit, and would be high in the international market.
Shri Singh Deo, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its significant impact on the state’s agricultural exports.
“Organic dragon fruits have shown tremendous benefits for cancer patients and have also been effective in reducing blood pressure, managing sugar levels, and combating other diseases. I am optimistic that these fresh and organic products will reach every household, contributing to better health outcomes. Additionally, I look forward to expanding exports to Southeast Asian countries where there is high demand,” he said.