Odisha Exports Fresh Strawberries to London for the First Time, Boosting Farmer Incomes

Odisha, January 28, 2026: Odisha has recorded a milestone in agri-exports with the state’s first-ever shipment of fresh strawberries to London, United Kingdom. A consignment of 51 kg of strawberries, cultivated in Dhenkanal district, was dispatched during the District-level Flower Show in Dhenkanal, marking Odisha’s entry into international markets for premium fresh berries.

The export has delivered tangible income gains for farmers, enabling them to realise nearly 50% higher prices compared to local market rates. This development highlights the potential of structured agri-export pathways in improving farm incomes and linking small producers to global value chains.

The strawberries were grown and aggregated by Saptasajya Agro Producer Company Limited, a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) based in Dhenkanal. The successful shipment underscores the role of organised farmer collectives in meeting export-quality standards for high-value horticultural produce.

The export was supported by the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment through the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organization (PSFPO) project. The initiative is supported by Gates Foundation and implemented by Palladium, with technical and market facilitation support from APEDA and the World Trade Center. Additional facilitation was provided by the Odisha Livelihood Mission.

This shipment is significant as it represents the first time fresh strawberries from Odisha have reached an overseas market. It reflects the state’s growing diversification into premium, high-value crops and increasing farmer confidence in complying with international quality, safety, and traceability requirements.

The consignment was flagged off by Ashish Ishwar Patil, Collector and District Magistrate, Dhenkanal, who described the export as an important milestone for the district. “He acknowledged the critical support provided by Palladium under the PSFPO project in enabling farmer collectives to access international markets and stated that such initiatives would further accelerate agri-export activities in the coming years. He also assured that the district administration would extend full support to scale up similar farmer-led export initiatives.”

The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior officials from the horticulture and agriculture departments, representatives of Saptasajya Agro Producer Company Limited, and Palladium, reflecting strong inter-departmental collaboration.

By opening access to premium international markets, this initiative strengthens rural enterprises, enhances farmer incomes, and positions Odisha as an emerging supplier of high-quality horticultural produce in global markets.