Improved horticultural practices, scientific cultivation techniques, and sustained farmer training have significantly enhanced mango production across the Kolhan region, helping growers earn better returns and gain access to international markets. In a landmark achievement, the East Singhbhum district administration has facilitated its first international commercial export of locally grown mangoes, sending a 1.5-tonne consignment to the United Kingdom this month.
APEDA and District Administration Open Doors to European Markets
Supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the initiative has provided local orchardists with an opportunity to enter the highly competitive global fruit market. Officials said the collaboration between farmer producer associations, APEDA, and quality assurance agencies has created a pathway for exporting premium mangoes from the region.
Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan described the development as a milestone for local agriculture, noting that it would encourage more farmers to adopt scientific farming methods and maintain international quality standards. The district agriculture department has also expressed its commitment to expanding exports of other agricultural and horticultural products in the coming years.
The quality of mangoes produced in the district was evident during the Mango Festival held on June 6, where nearly 1,100 kg of popular varieties—including Amrapali, Himsagar, Langra, Fazli, Dasheri, Baiganpalli, Mallika, and Kayra (Banana Mango)—were sold within hours of being displayed.
Exporter Khalid Ahmed said demand for Kolhan-grown varieties such as Amrapali, Mallika, and Himsagar has risen sharply, particularly in European markets. Efforts are now underway to expand exports to countries in the Middle East and the European Union. Among the beneficiaries is Mugli Baske, a woman farmer from Kalajhor village in Galudih, whose orchard supplied mangoes for export to London.
From Grassroots to Global: MGNREGA and WADI Schemes Drive Rural Prosperity
Under the MGNREGA Mango Orchard Scheme, she received more than 150 saplings and technical guidance from the district administration. Her two-acre orchard yielded around 7.5 quintals of mangoes this season. Having already sold four quintals at 35-50 per kg, she has earned nearly 20,000, with additional produce still awaiting harvest.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Seraikela-Kharsawan, the NABARD-supported WADI project implemented by Tata Steel Foundation has transformed rural livelihoods through horticulture. Covering 36 villages and 379 acres, the project supported 388 families, distributing over 25,800 mango saplings and 9,800 guava plants.
As orchards began yielding commercially from 2021 onwards, farmers started harvesting three to four tonnes of mangoes per acre. Household incomes have consequently risen from 50,000-60,000 annually to approximately 1.3 lakh-1.6 lakh, highlighting the transformative impact of mango cultivation in the region.
