THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 9: In a major boost to Jharkhand’s agricultural export ambitions, the first commercial consignment of Amrapali mangoes grown in Simdega district has been exported to London, marking a significant milestone for the state’s flagship Birsa Harit Gram Yojana (BHGY).
A total of 1,322 kg (1.32 tonnes) of premium-quality mangoes cultivated by farmers and women-led producer groups under the scheme have been shipped to the United Kingdom, opening international markets for produce from one of Jharkhand’s most remote districts.
The achievement is being seen as a major outcome of a rural livelihood initiative launched by Chief Minister Hemant Soren during the Covid-19 pandemic to generate employment and strengthen the rural economy through fruit cultivation.
From Covid-Era Livelihood Scheme to Global Export
Launched to provide sustainable income opportunities in rural areas during the pandemic, the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana has expanded horticulture cultivation across the state.
Between 2019-20 and 2024-25, more than 12,000 farmers in Simdega brought around 10,500 acres under mango cultivation, focusing mainly on Amrapali, Mallika and Langra varieties.
Officials said that despite a bumper harvest last year, farmers struggled to secure remunerative prices due to limited market access. To address the issue, the district administration organised a series of buyer-seller meets and worked with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to prepare produce for international markets.
Farmers, particularly women cultivators, received specialised training to meet export-grade phytosanitary standards.
Women-Led FPOs Drive Export Success
The inaugural export consignment was facilitated by women-led Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), highlighting the growing role of self-help groups in agricultural entrepreneurship.
The Mahila Jagriti Farmer Producer Company Limited of Simdega Sadar block and the Beura Farmer Producer Company Limited of Bano block played a key role in dispatching the first shipment.
Simdega currently has around 7,500 Sakhi Mandals, involving nearly 93,000 women, many of whom are engaged in horticulture and allied activities.
Officials said around 300 farmers associated with six FPOs have been linked to the export value chain in the first phase.
More Exports Planned
The district has set a target of marketing 81 tonnes of mangoes in domestic and international markets during the current season.
Additional consignments are expected to be sent to the UK and Europe in the coming days. Authorities have also established a marketing linkage with Reliance Mart to strengthen domestic sales.
The district administration is now exploring export opportunities for ragi (finger millet) and tamarind as well.
2.15 Lakh Families Benefiting Across Jharkhand
The success of Simdega’s mango growers reflects the wider impact of the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana across Jharkhand.
Under the programme, horticulture plantations have been developed on 1.86 lakh acres, generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for 2.15 lakh rural families.
According to official estimates, plantations established up to 2021-22 are now harvest-ready across nearly 52,000 acres, with a minimum projected fruit production of 50,000 metric tonnes.
Officials believe the expanding horticulture base could position Jharkhand as an emerging fruit export hub in eastern India.
CM Lauds Initiative
Simdega Deputy Commissioner Kanchan Singh briefed Chief Minister Hemant Soren about the export achievement during a meeting in Ranchi. Representatives of women’s groups also presented Amrapali mangoes from Simdega to the Chief Minister.
Praising the initiative, Soren said the state government remains committed to strengthening the rural economy, empowering women and ensuring better market opportunities for farmers.
He said enhancing farmers’ incomes, creating new opportunities for women and promoting agricultural exports remain key priorities of the government.