12 July 2025, Malda
In a significant boost to India’s horticultural exports, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malda, under ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, facilitated the successful export of 4 tonnes of premium Malda mangoes including Fazli, Ashwina, and Arajanma varieties to the United Arab Emirates. The consignment, dispatched via Kolkata airport by Shrusti Food Products a start-up incubated at ICAR-CISH, Lucknow marks a major milestone for the region’s farmers.
This achievement stems from targeted cluster development and the promotion of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) by ICAR-CISH KVK, Malda, in coordination with ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata. Farmers from specially formed orchard clusters received hands-on training in residue-free production, post-harvest management, and export-quality compliance.
Ongoing support from KVK experts, coupled with strategic collaboration with APEDA, exporters, and local authorities, strengthened the export value chain.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, hailed the initiative as a pioneering example of farmer-centric, start-up-driven export transformation. He highlighted that mangoes grown with minimal chemical input and full traceability have now entered premium UAE retail markets, setting new standards for quality and income generation.
This export success is a result of sustained capacity building, post-harvest training, buyer-seller meets, and continuous field engagement. The model demonstrates a scalable, grassroots-led approach integrating Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), start-ups, and technology to boost India's agri-export landscape.
(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
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