Odisha Farmers Make History with First-Ever Strawberry Export to London
In a groundbreaking achievement for Odisha's agricultural sector, farmers from Dhenkanal district have successfully exported a 51-kilogram consignment of fresh strawberries to London, United Kingdom. This marks the very first time that fresh strawberries from the state have reached an international market, representing a significant milestone in the region's horticultural development.
Premium Pricing and New Market Opportunities
The export shipment, which was dispatched during the district-level flower show held in Dhenkanal on Monday and Tuesday, has provided participating farmers with substantial financial benefits. According to official statements, growers earned nearly 50% higher prices compared to what they typically receive in local markets. This development not only boosts farmer incomes but also opens up a valuable new sales channel beyond traditional mandis, reducing dependency on domestic markets.
Organized Farming Collectives Drive Success
The strawberries were cultivated and aggregated by a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) based in Dhenkanal district. This achievement underscores how organized farmer collectives can effectively produce and pool export-grade horticultural crops that meet stringent international standards. The agriculture and farmers' empowerment department emphasized that this model demonstrates the potential for structured farming groups to access premium global markets.
Government Support and Facilitation
The export initiative received comprehensive support from multiple government agencies:
- The Directorate of Horticulture facilitated the export through the Promotion and Stabilisation of Farmer Producer Organisation (PSFPO) project
- Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) provided crucial assistance in connecting farmers with structured, premium markets
- Government officials helped farmers navigate the complex processes required for international trade compliance
Strategic Significance for Odisha's Agriculture
Dhenkanal collector Ashish Ishwar Patil, who flagged off the consignment, highlighted the broader implications of this achievement. He noted that such initiatives can:
- Expand income opportunities for farmers across the state
- Strengthen rural enterprises and agricultural infrastructure
- Enhance Odisha's reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality fresh produce in global markets
The agriculture department described this export as particularly significant, reflecting the state's strategic push toward high-value crops and growing farmer confidence in meeting strict international quality and compliance norms.
Global Demand for Premium Produce
Strawberries, renowned for their freshness, nutritional value, and antioxidant properties, enjoy substantial demand across multiple premium segments worldwide, including:
- High-end fruit retail markets
- Food processing industries
- Hospitality and culinary sectors
Officials emphasized that this successful export aligns perfectly with ongoing efforts to promote crops that offer better returns to farmers while simultaneously catering to the global demand for safe, nutritious, and responsibly sourced agricultural products.
This pioneering export establishes a new benchmark for Odisha's horticulture sector and demonstrates how strategic government support, organized farming collectives, and market diversification can create sustainable income opportunities for agricultural communities while positioning the state as a competitive player in international agricultural trade.
