Odisha’s dragon fruit makes its international debut with export to Dubai

Bhubaneswar, Sept 4: Biju Patnaik International Airport's cargo terminal in Bhubaneswar marked a significant milestone today with the first-ever export of dragon fruit from Odisha. The fruit, cultivated in Patnagarh, Balangir district, was shipped to Dubai.

This achievement follows previous exports of mangoes from Dhenkanal and parwal from Bolangir. The Odisha government is now focusing on boosting horticulture and encouraging farmers to embrace this practice.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who proudly identified himself as a farmer, highlighted that the successful export was the result of decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of four quintals of organically grown dragon fruit were exported through Indigo Cargo. Singhdeo emphasized the health benefits of dragon fruit, including its potential to prevent cancer, diabetes, and constipation.

The state government offers various incentives for horticulture, including farm ponds, irrigation systems, and subsidies via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). With increasing demand for horticultural products, the government aims to enhance exports of high-quality agricultural products from Odisha.

Before the export launch, Singhdeo performed a traditional coconut-breaking ceremony and flagged off the shipment.