First-Ever UP Dussehri Mango Export to Dubai Sparks Boom!
In a landmark achievement, Uttar Pradesh’s local Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have achieved a historic milestone by exporting the first-ever commercial consignment of 1,200 kg of Dussehri mangoes to Dubai. This breakthrough marks a shift in UP’s mango sector, showcasing farmer-led stewardship in global trade.
Flag-off Ceremony in Lucknow
The curated shipment—400 boxes—was flagged off from the state-of-the-art Mango Pack House in Lucknow by Horticulture Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh, before being flown to Dubai-based importer Vergro Trading LLC via air cargo.
Indo-German AMD Project: Empowering FPOs
This success follows nearly two years of capacity-building under the Indo-German Agricultural Market Development (AMD) Project, which equipped FPOs with international standards in harvesting, post-harvest handling, packing, and export documentation.
FPOs in Action
Two FPOs—Irada Farmer Producer Company Limited and Malihabad Farmer Producer Company Limited—spearheaded the end-to-end export operations. Their commitment and training secured compliance with all UAE phytosanitary and quality norms.
Economic Significance
Although this shipment represents a modest 0.025% of UP’s 4.8 million tonne mango output in 2024–25, the economic uplift is significant. With export prices at ₹208 per kg—more than double local wholesale rates of ₹60–80/kg—the returns for farmers are highly lucrative .
A Pilot for Bigger Ambitions
Officials suggest that, provided Dubai quality checks are passed, UP could ramp up to 5,000 kg weekly shipments. Plans also include exporting other regional favorites like Chausa and Langra mangoes, paving the way for a robust fresh fruit export model.
Cold Chain Integrity
A meticulously maintained 48-hour cold chain from orchard to shelf ensured fruit freshness through transit—a crucial factor in meeting Dubai’s stringent quality benchmarks.
Broader Vision & Support
State authorities view this as more than just a mango export—it’s a template for UP’s horticulture sector to evolve globally. With UP targeting to export 100–150 tonnes this season—including destinations like Singapore, the US, and Japan via sea routes—this initiative dovetails with ongoing export ambitions.
ICAR-CISH and APEDA are playing pivotal roles in expanding post-harvest technologies and logistical support. Meanwhile, the government is rolling out infrastructure such as pack houses, export hubs, and centralized registration via Hort‑Net .
Human Stories: Farmers at the Forefront
Behind this success are real farmers—like those in Malihabad and Pratapgarh districts—who’ve seen mango exports double incomes. FPOs empowered them to control quality from farm to final pack, bypassing middlemen and ensuring fair returns .
Why It Matters
- Farmer Empowerment: Direct participation in exports breaks long-held dependency on intermediaries.
- Income Boost: Export pricing doubles farmers’ earnings compared to domestic markets.
- Govt Support: A blueprint for structured horticulture exports is taking shape.
- Global Branding: Positions UP mangoes—especially Dussehri and Chausa—on the world map.
What Comes Next?
- Scaling Exports: Weekly volumes may rise to 5,000 kg, with sea‑route options enabling larger shipments.
- Variety Expansion: Chausa and Langra mangoes likely to follow in upcoming consignments.
- Private Sector Role: As pack houses and logistics mature, fresh fruit exports from UP could enter a high‑growth phase.
Conclusion
This inaugural, farmer-led export of Dussehri mangoes to Dubai is more than a milestone—it’s proof that local FPOs, with strategic training and support, can bridge farm-to-international-market divides. Beyond export revenues, it signals a new chapter where UP’s mango sector can stand on its own, competitive and globally recognised.
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