APEDA ships Karnataka's Neelam and Totapuri mangoes to Maldives

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives. Flagged off on 30 July 2026, this landmark air cargo movement marks a significant milestone in promoting Karnataka's late-season mango varieties across international markets and further strengthening India's global mango export basket.

The consignment was officially flagged off by Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, Chairman, APEDA, who appreciated the collective efforts of the exporter, the Farmer Producer Company (FPC), local farmers, and all supply chain stakeholders involved in making the air shipment possible. He noted that "Such initiatives enhance market access for Indian mangoes, create new export opportunities for late-season varieties and contribute to sustainable income growth for farmers."

Comprising 1 tonne of premium Neelam and Totapuri mangoes, the export consignment was sourced directly from farmers associated with M/s Prakruthimaya Farmers Producer Company Ltd., situated in KGF Taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka. The air cargo logistics were handled and exported by Mrs. Ashwini A, Director of M/s Ahalya Devi Ventures, a newly registered woman entrepreneur and exporter. This achievement highlights the growing participation and leadership of women entrepreneurs within India's expanding agri-export ecosystem.

From a product and harvest standpoint, Neelam mangoes are widely appreciated for their sweet, juicy pulp, rich aroma, and suitability for desserts, smoothies, and beverages. Meanwhile, the Totapuri mango is known for its distinctive shape, sweet-tangy flavour, and versatility for both fresh consumption and commercial processing. Harvested from late June to the end of July, these late-season varieties offer a unique opportunity for cold chain and air transport logistics to extend India's mango export season, catering to international demand well beyond the traditional peak harvest period.

This air shipment highlights the burgeoning export potential of Karnataka's horticulture sector and demonstrates how Farmer Producer Companies are playing a vital role in connecting local growers with overseas buyers through organised aggregation, quality produce, and efficient export-oriented supply chains.

Furthermore, farmers associated with the Farmer Producer Company realised over 50% higher returns through this direct export initiative compared to conventional domestic market channels. The success underscores the true value of direct procurement, robust export market linkages, and organised aggregation in enhancing farmers' incomes while encouraging wider adoption of export-oriented cultivation practices.

The successful flight marks a new chapter in Karnataka's mango export journey. It is expected to encourage greater participation from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), logistics service providers, exporters, and agri-entrepreneurs in tapping international markets for premium horticultural produce. APEDA continues to work closely with State Governments, air freight carriers, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations, Farmer Producer Companies, and other industry stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, facilitate global market access, and promote India's premium fruits worldwide, driving sustainable growth across the horticulture and logistics sectors.