Tribal women farmers from remote areas of Odisha have successfully exported green papaya to London for the first time. The Saptasajya Agro Producer Company, comprising 14 women members from Dhenakal, exported one tonne of premium quality green papaya to London. This initiative, facilitated by Palladium Consulting India Pvt Ltd, saw a significant increase in price realisation for the farmers, ranging from 40-62%.
The decision to export green papaya to London was driven by the high demand for the fruit in countries like the UK and Ireland. The farmers involved in this export operation not only felt a sense of pride but also reaped the benefits of their hard work.
The export shipment was timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, highlighting the contribution of women farmers, including those from particularly vulnerable tribal groups in Odisha. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment of Odisha, Apeda, and Palladium Consulting India Pvt Ltd played key roles in facilitating the export process.
The green papaya produced by the FPO in Odisha is known for its high quality and nutritional value. Despite the strict food regulations in European countries, the green papaya exporters were able to meet all the required standards. The Promotion and Stabilisation of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) team, through empanelled exporters, provided support to ensure that the green papayas from Odisha met EU standards and were free of chemical residue.
Overall, the successful export of green papaya to London not only showcases the quality of produce from Odisha but also highlights the empowerment of women farmers in the region. This milestone export opens up new opportunities for the FPO and paves the way for future exports of locally-grown products to international markets.
