Bhubaneswar: Odisha has marked a significant breakthrough in agricultural exports with its first-ever international shipment of garlic and French beans to Dubai, signalling a new chapter in the state’s efforts to link farmers directly with global markets and enhance rural incomes.
The historic consignment, comprising 1,000 kg of fresh produce, was exported from Biju Patnaik International Airport and sourced from farmers in Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts. In addition to garlic and French beans, the shipment included baby potatoes, ivy gourd, pointed gourd and papaya, all procured through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Officials said this is the first structured export of garlic and French beans from Odisha, carried out under strict quality control, grading and traceability protocols to meet international standards. The initiative is being implemented as a pilot project, with the objective of creating a sustainable export pipeline for Odisha’s horticultural produce.
The export operation was facilitated by the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, with technical and logistical support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The initiative also received backing from the Gates Foundation as part of broader efforts to improve market access and income opportunities for small and marginal farmers.
State officials said the successful shipment aligns with Odisha’s proposed Agri Export Policy, which focuses on integrating local farmers into global value chains, promoting high-value crops and strengthening post-harvest infrastructure.
By establishing direct international market linkages for farmer collectives, the government aims to reduce dependence on intermediaries, ensure better price realisation and encourage diversification into export-oriented crops. Authorities said similar export consignments are planned in the coming months as the state builds capacity and confidence among farmers to meet overseas demand.
-OdishaAge
