Export Initiative Delivers 180% Higher Returns to Women-Led Farmer Producer Companies in Jharkhand

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has facilitated the commercial export of 2 metric tonnes (MT) of Amrapali mangoes from the Aspirational District of Gumla and Aspirational Block of Deoghar in Jharkhand to Dubai on July 3, 2026. The consignment was exported by M/s Fair Exports (India) Pvt. Ltd. for retail distribution across Lulu stores in Dubai, marking another milestone in promoting exports from tribal and women-led farmer collectives.

The export consignment comprised premium-quality Amrapali mangoes sourced from three women-led Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) promoted by Palash – Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS). One metric tonne was sourced from APEDA-registered MVM Baghima Palkot Producer Company Limited and Raidih Agri Producer Company Limited in Gumla district, while the remaining one metric tonne was sourced from Mohanpur Ajeevika Mahila Kisan Producer Society in Deoghar district. The orchards have been developed by tribal women farmers under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana, implemented in convergence with MGNREGA and supported by the Government of Jharkhand.

The consignment was ceremonially flagged off in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Development Commissioner of the respective districts, along with representatives of APEDA, JSLPS and other line departments. The flag-off symbolised the successful collaboration among APEDA, the Government of Jharkhand, district administrations, women-led FPCs, exporters and development partners in connecting rural producers with international markets.

The export has delivered significant economic benefits to the participating farmers, with members of the women-led FPCs realising nearly 180 per cent higher returns than prevailing local market prices. The initiative demonstrates the potential of export market access in enhancing farmers' incomes while encouraging greater participation of women producers in export-oriented agriculture. Each of the participating FPCs has more than 1,500 shareholders and collectively represents over 50,000 member farmers, extending the benefits of the initiative to a large farming community.

The export reflects APEDA's sustained efforts to develop export-ready farmer collectives through capacity building, quality enhancement and market facilitation. In May 2026, APEDA organised a dedicated capacity-building programme in the Palkot area of Gumla district to sensitise members and Board of Directors of eight Farmer Producer Companies on international quality standards, post-harvest handling practices and export procedures, enabling them to meet the requirements of premium overseas markets. Representatives from the district offices of Agriculture, Horticulture, JSLPS, District Industries Centre (DIC) and other line departments also participated in the programme.

Further strengthening its outreach among women entrepreneurs, APEDA's Regional Office, Kolkata, organised an Export-Oriented Capacity Development Programme for Women Entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups on September 19, 2025, at Baswariya village in Devipur block of Deoghar district. Around 105 participants, including women entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, and officials from the Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Department, NABARD and APEDA, participated in the programme. The session focused on creating awareness about APEDA's mandate, Financial Assistance Scheme, export opportunities, key export procedures and institutional support available for women entrepreneurs to participate in global agricultural trade.

The initiative highlights the growing export potential of Jharkhand's horticulture sector and reflects APEDA's continued efforts to strengthen women-led farmer collectives through capacity building, market linkages and export facilitation.