Odisha Launches First Drumstick Export
Odisha has officially entered the international moringa market, celebrating a significant milestone with its first-ever air shipment of drumsticks from the Rayagada district. This inaugural consignment, flagged off from Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport, signals a promising new chapter for the state's agricultural export ambitions.
A Milestone Shipment to Dubai
Spearheaded by the Swornajyoti Farmers’ Producer Company Ltd (FPO), based in Rayagada, the initial shipment wasn't just drumsticks. It included a total of 910 kilograms of fresh produce, featuring both the highly-prized moringa (drumsticks) and pointed gourds (parwal), all destined for markets in Dubai. This achievement builds upon a successful 2024-25 season, which saw Odisha export over 52 tonnes of diverse fresh fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, okra, and even dragon fruit, sourced from numerous FPOs across the state.
Empowering Farmers through Collaboration
This export success story was possible through collaboration and targeted support. The Promotion and Stabilization of FPOs (PSFPO) project, operating under the Odisha Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE) with backing from the Gates Foundation, has been instrumental. Managed by Palladium, the project's Technical Support Unit provides crucial guidance and market-focused training to FPOs like Swornajyoti, which itself was promoted by Harsha Trust and supported by NABARD.
The goal they worked on: connect Odisha's farmers to lucrative global markets. Key partnerships fostered by Palladium with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar were crucial. These collaborations are enabling FPOs to secure significantly better prices for their members – reportedly boosting farmer income by an impressive 40% to 60% – and positioning Odisha as a growing player in the agri-export landscape.
The 'Superfood' Advantage
Drumstick, or moringa, is globally celebrated as a 'superfood' for its dense nutritional profile, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Officials note that moringa grown in Odisha benefits from the region's specific agroclimatic conditions, potentially enhancing its potency and making it particularly attractive for international health-conscious consumers. This inherent quality gives Odisha a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Building a Sustainable Future
Leaders involved emphasize the strategic importance of this achievement. Sitakanta Mandal from APEDA highlighted it as a "major leap" in integrating Odisha's farmers into global supply chains, aligning with government efforts to bolster agri-export infrastructure. S.K. Talukdar of NABARD stressed the importance of market alignment, praising FPOs for their role in understanding international demand and quality standards. Debarati Ghatak from Palladium framed the success not just as an export win, but as the creation of a "sustainable and profitable model for farmers," driven by strengthened ecosystems, quality production, and efficient supply chains managed through FPOs.
This first shipment means better earnings for farmers and a stronger position for Odisha in global agricultural trade.
Picture courtesy: Krishak Jagat
