Patamda Mangoes Reach Saudi Arabia, Cashews and Vegetables Next in Line for Export Push

Jamshedpur: The agricultural produce of East Singhbhum is steadily gaining international recognition, bringing new hope and opportunities for local farmers. Following the successful export of mangoes from Patamda to Saudi Arabia, the district administration has intensified efforts to establish Patamda’s vegetables and Bahragora-Chakulia’s cashews as global brands.

Patamda Mangoes Win International Appreciation

The district’s horticulture sector has witnessed remarkable growth under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana. Orchards of Amrapali and Mallika mango varieties have been developed across nearly 6,000 acres, significantly enhancing mango production in the region.

In a major achievement, mangoes cultivated by progressive farmer Ashok Kumar Mahto of Patamda were exported through APEDA to the Mango Mania festivals organised in Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fruits received an overwhelming response, boosting confidence among local growers.

The recently introduced Banana Mango variety also emerged as a major attraction during the Mango Festival held at the Collectorate complex. Authorities are now preparing to promote the variety in international markets.

Bahragora Cashews Target Global Branding

Encouraged by the success of Patamda’s mangoes, the district administration is now focusing on branding the premium-quality cashews produced in Bahragora and Chakulia.

The forested region of Chakulia-Bahragora produces nearly 50,000 quintals of cashews annually, making it a crucial contributor to the local economy. To strengthen processing and value addition, women members of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are being taken on an exposure visit to a modern cashew-processing unit in Keonjhar, Odisha.

The initiative aims to improve branding, packaging, and processing standards in line with international market requirements through a cooperative model.

Patamda Vegetables to Enter Export Market

The administration is also preparing organic vegetables grown in Patamda and Bodam, popularly known as the “Vegetable Bowl of Kolhan,” for export opportunities.

To reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better returns for farmers, a defunct cold storage facility with a capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes in Patamda has been revived. The facility is expected to help preserve vegetables such as tomatoes, brinjals, and cauliflower, preventing wastage and stabilising market prices.