Dhenkanal, May 14: Mango season has begun in Odisha, and Dhenkanal mangoes are once again making their mark in both domestic and international markets. Known for their rich taste and juiciness, mangoes from the district are witnessing rising demand in countries like the UK and Germany.
Though mango production has been good this year, lack of rainfall during the fruit development stage has affected the size of the fruits. Despite this, farmers and traders are hopeful of a profitable season.
According to the Horticulture Department, nearly 15 tonnes of mangoes have already been exported to the UK and Germany within the last two weeks. The department has set a target of exporting around 200 metric tonnes of mangoes abroad this season, besides supplying another 200 metric tonnes across Odisha.
Dhenkanal’s hilly soil and favourable climate are considered ideal for mango cultivation. Popular varieties such as Dasheri, Amrapali, Langra, Baiganpalli and Himsagar are widely grown in the district. More than 200 small and large mango farms operate across different blocks of the district.
Mangoes from Dhenkanal are being supplied to markets in Kolkata, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Chennai, Dubai, London and Italy. Last year, the district produced around 4 to 5 lakh tonnes of mangoes.
Officials said mango trees have yielded heavily this year as well. However, insufficient rainfall and Kalbaisakhi storms caused nearly 30 percent of the fruits to fall prematurely, while many mangoes remained smaller in size.
The Saptasajya Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) has already exported around 15 tonnes of mangoes this season. Mangoes collected from farmers are being packed carefully and transported via Bhubaneswar airport to Mumbai before shipment to foreign countries.
Saptasajya FPO director Sudipta Biswal said the organisation had exported around 35 tonnes of mangoes last year and plans to increase exports further this season. Apart from FPOs, ORMAS and the Horticulture Department are also supporting mango exports.
So far, around 70 tonnes of mangoes have been sent to Guwahati, Siliguri and different parts of West Bengal. Assistant Director of Horticulture Devaprasad Rautaray said the district aims to export 200 metric tonnes overseas this year.
Export demand has helped farmers get better prices, with premium mangoes being procured at Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kilogram. However, some traders are reportedly purchasing at lower rates of Rs 60 to Rs 65 per kilogram, affecting farmers’ profits.
Currently, mango prices remain high in the market, though traders expect rates to decline as arrivals increase in the coming weeks.
Notably, Dhenkanal had recorded the highest mango exports from Odisha last year. Out of the total 108 tonnes exported from the state, 58 tonnes were shipped from Dhenkanal alone.
