Simdega marks entry into global Mango export market
PNS
Ranchi
In a landmark achievement for Jharkhand’s horticulture sector, the remote district of Simdega has exported its first commercial consignment of premium-quality Amrapali mangoes to the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural export journey.
The export has been made possible through the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana (BHGY), a flagship initiative launched by the state government during the COVID-19 pandemic to generate rural livelihoods through fruit cultivation. Officials described the development as a reflection of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s vision of transforming rural communities through sustainable agriculture and market-driven growth.
Between 2019-20 and 2024-25, more than 12,000 farmers in Simdega developed fruit orchards across nearly 10,500 acres under the scheme, primarily cultivating Amrapali, Mallika and Langra mango varieties. While farmers faced difficulties securing remunerative prices last year due to limited market access, the district administration addressed the challenge through a series of buyer-seller meets and market-linkage initiatives.
With technical support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, local mangoes were prepared to meet international phytosanitary standards. Women farmers also received specialised training to comply with export requirements.
The first international shipment, weighing 1.32 tonnes, was facilitated by two farmer producer companies—Mahila Jagruti Farmer Producer Company Limited from Simdega Sadar block and Beura Farmer Producer Company Limited from Bano block. Around 300 farmers from six FPOs are currently linked to the export chain.
The district has set an ambitious target of marketing 81 tonnes of mangoes in domestic and international markets this season. Additional consignments are scheduled for the UK and Europe, while linkages have also been established with Reliance Mart for domestic sales. Authorities are now exploring export opportunities for ragi and tamarind.
Statewide, the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana has brought 1.86 lakh acres under horticulture plantations, benefiting over 2.15 lakh rural families. Officials estimate that nearly 52,000 acres of plantations have now reached the fruit-bearing stage and are expected to yield around 50,000 metric tonnes of produce, strengthening Jharkhand’s prospects as an emerging fruit-export hub.
