The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the export of premium Amrapali mangoes from Jharkhand’s tribal farming communities to international markets, marking a significant step towards strengthening rural livelihoods and women-led agricultural enterprises.
On July 3, 2026, a consignment of 2 metric tonnes (MT) of Amrapali mangoes from the Aspirational District of Gumla and Aspirational Block of Deoghar was shipped to Dubai. The export was carried out by M/s Fair Exports (India) Pvt. Ltd. for retail distribution through Lulu stores in Dubai, creating a new opportunity for farmers from Jharkhand to access global markets.
Women-Led Farmer Collectives Drive Export Success
The exported mangoes were sourced from three women-led Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) promoted by Palash – Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS). These farmer collectives have played a crucial role in connecting tribal women growers with international buyers by improving production practices, quality standards and market access.
Of the total shipment, one metric tonne of Amrapali mangoes came from APEDA-registered MVM Baghima Palkot Producer Company Limited and Raidih Agri Producer Company Limited in Gumla district. The remaining one metric tonne was sourced from Mohanpur Ajeevika Mahila Kisan Producer Society in Deoghar district.
The mango orchards were developed by tribal women farmers under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana, implemented through convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and supported by the Government of Jharkhand. The initiative has enabled rural women to establish sustainable horticulture-based livelihoods while improving agricultural productivity.
Export Boosts Farmers’ Income
The international shipment has delivered substantial economic benefits to participating farmers. Members of the women-led FPCs received nearly 180 per cent higher returns compared to prevailing local market prices, demonstrating the potential of export-oriented agriculture in improving farm incomes.
Each participating Farmer Producer Company has more than 1,500 shareholders, and together they represent over 50,000 farmers. The success of the mango export initiative is expected to encourage more farmers, particularly women producers, to participate in organized agricultural value chains and explore opportunities in global markets.
Collaboration Strengthens Rural Export Ecosystem
The consignment was ceremonially flagged off in the presence of district officials, including Deputy Commissioners and Deputy Development Commissioners of Gumla and Deoghar, along with representatives from APEDA, JSLPS and other government departments.
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, farmer organizations, exporters and development institutions in building a strong export ecosystem for rural producers. The initiative reflects a coordinated effort to ensure that farmers from remote regions benefit from international trade opportunities.
APEDA Focuses on Capacity Building
APEDA has been working continuously to prepare farmer groups for participation in overseas markets through training, quality improvement initiatives and export facilitation programmes.
In May 2026, APEDA conducted a specialised capacity-building programme in Palkot, Gumla district, for members and board representatives of eight Farmer Producer Companies. The programme focused on international quality standards, post-harvest management techniques, packaging requirements and export procedures.
Officials from the Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, JSLPS, District Industries Centre and other government agencies also participated in the programme to support farmers in meeting global market requirements.
Promoting Women Entrepreneurs in Agriculture Exports
APEDA has also been expanding its outreach among women entrepreneurs and self-help groups to promote their participation in agricultural exports. Earlier, APEDA’s Regional Office in Kolkata organised an Export-Oriented Capacity Development Programme for women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups at Baswariya village in Deoghar district on September 19, 2025.
The programme brought together around 105 participants, including women entrepreneurs, farmer organisations, government officials, NABARD representatives and APEDA officials. Discussions focused on export opportunities, APEDA’s support schemes, financial assistance programmes and procedures required to enter international markets.
Jharkhand Emerges as a Promising Horticulture Export Hub
The successful export of Amrapali mangoes from Jharkhand represents a major milestone in promoting the state’s horticulture sector on the global stage. By strengthening farmer collectives, improving quality standards and creating international market linkages, APEDA aims to expand export opportunities for rural communities.
The initiative demonstrates how tribal farmers and women-led organisations can become key contributors to India’s agricultural export growth while creating sustainable income opportunities at the grassroots level.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
