Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s burgeoning mango sector received a significant boost today as Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated a vibrant exhibition of various ‘Amber’ mango varieties at the Central Horticulture Experimentation Station in Bhubaneswar.
The event, graced by Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, MLA from Ekamra Shri Babu Singh.
Principal Secretary Agriculture & Famers’ Empowerment, Dr. Arbinda Kumar Padhee, underscored the immense potential of mango cultivation to transform the state’s agricultural landscape and enhance farmer incomes. Dr.Padhee has been in the forefront on promoting Odisha mangoes in a big way in both National and International Markets.
The exhibition served as a platform to showcase the rich diversity of mangoes cultivated in Odisha, drawing attention to both traditional and commercially viable varieties. Dignitaries present highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting horticulture and empowering farmers through modern techniques and market linkages. Such initiatives are crucial for promoting quality produce and ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots level.
Odisha, with an annual mango production of approximately 850,000 metric tonnes, accounts for a significant 60% of the state’s total fruit cultivation. The state is home to a wide array of mango varieties, including popular commercial types like Amrapalli, Dasheri, Langra, Neelam, Himsagar, Chausa, Mallika, Sundari, Bombay Green, Totapali, and Baiganpalei. Regions such as Patnagarh in Balangir and Telkoi in Keonjhar have emerged as key mango-growing hubs, with their produce gaining recognition for its distinct flavor and quality, particularly the export-quality Amrapalli.
The scope for mango cultivation in Odisha extends far beyond domestic consumption, with recent breakthroughs in international exports signaling a promising future. In a landmark achievement, Odisha’s mangoes have recently made their way to global markets, including London, Birmingham, Dubai, France, and Belgium. This success is largely attributed to concerted efforts in improving post-harvest management, including sorting, grading, ripening, hygienic packaging, and establishing cold storage facilities.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), with technical support from partners like Palladium India, have been instrumental in facilitating these exports, providing farmers with crucial training and market access. These strategic expansions have led to a substantial increase in price realization for farmers, with reports indicating a rise of over 60% in some instances, directly boosting their livelihoods.
Despite this burgeoning potential, the sector faces its share of challenges. These include a persistent lack of knowledge about high-yielding mango varieties, the impact of high temperatures, issues with transportation availability, and the vulnerability of crops to heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstones during critical flowering and fruit development stages.
Additionally, limited access to extension services and adequate storage facilities near growing areas often compel farmers to resort to traditional methods or distress sales, thereby limiting their income potential. Addressing these challenges through continued research, infrastructure development, and robust farmer education programs remains vital for sustainable growth.
Looking ahead, the Government of Odisha, through initiatives like the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) project, in collaboration with organizations like NABARD and supported by entities such as the Gates Foundation, is actively working to strengthen the mango value chain.
Regular training sessions and workshops are equipping farmers with the necessary skills for export readiness and efficient post-harvest handling. With sustained focus on quality improvement, market diversification, and farmer empowerment, Odisha is well on its way to cementing its position as a significant player in both the national and international mango markets, contributing substantially to agricultural prosperity and rural development.