New Delhi: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), 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, the initiative marks a significant milestone in expanding India’s premium fruit exports while strengthening global market access for Karnataka’s late-season mango varieties.
The export reflects APEDA’s continued efforts to diversify India’s agricultural exports by promoting high-quality horticultural produce in international markets. The Ministry said such initiatives help create new export opportunities for farmers while strengthening India’s mango export basket.
Late-Season Mangoes Expand India’s Export Basket
According to APEDA, Neelam and Totapuri mangoes extend India’s mango export season beyond the peak harvest period, allowing Indian exporters to cater to international demand even during the late harvest window.
- Neelam mango is known for its sweet, juicy pulp, rich aroma and suitability for desserts, smoothies and beverages.
- Totapuri mango is recognised for its distinctive shape, sweet-tangy flavour and versatility for both fresh consumption and processing.
Harvested from late June until the end of July, these varieties provide an opportunity to strengthen India’s presence in overseas fruit markets beyond the traditional export season.
First Shipment Connects Karnataka Farmers with Global Markets
The export consignment comprised one metric tonne of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes, sourced directly from farmers associated with M/s Prakruthimaya Farmers Producer Company Ltd., KGF Taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka.
The shipment was exported by Mrs. Ashwini A, Director of M/s Ahalya Devi Ventures, a newly registered woman entrepreneur and exporter. The Ministry said the initiative also reflects the growing participation of women entrepreneurs in India’s agri-export ecosystem.
The consignment was flagged off by APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, who appreciated the coordinated efforts of the exporter, the Farmer Producer Company (FPC), farmers and all stakeholders involved in making the shipment possible.
He noted that such initiatives improve market access for Indian mangoes, create export opportunities for late-season varieties and contribute to sustainable income growth for farmers.
Export Initiative Delivers Higher Returns for Farmers
The Ministry said the initiative demonstrates how organised aggregation, direct procurement and export market linkages can significantly improve farmers’ incomes while encouraging export-oriented cultivation practices.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
- First-ever air shipment of Karnataka’s Neelam and Totapuri mangoes reached the Maldives.
- Farmers associated with the Farmer Producer Company realised over 50% higher returns compared to conventional market channels through direct export market linkages.
- The initiative extends India’s mango export season through late-season varities.
- Encouraging greater participation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), exporters and agri-entrepreneurs in global markets.
The Ministry said the achievement highlights the value of organised Farmer Producer Companies in connecting farmers with international buyers while improving farmers’ incomes through direct export market linkages.
Encouraging Greater Participation in Agri Exports
According to the Ministry, the export marks a new chapter in Karnataka’s mango export journey and is expected to encourage greater participation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), exporters and agri-entrepreneurs in tapping international markets for premium horticultural produce.
APEDA said it will continue working with State Governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations, Farmer Producer Companies and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, facilitate global market access and promote India’s premium fruits worldwide.
Piyush Goyal Hails the Export Milestone
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also welcomed the initiative in a post on X.
In his post, he said: “Maldives to relish Karnataka’s finest mangoes! Kudos to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority for facilitating the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives.”
Maldives to relish Karnataka's finest mangoes! 🥭
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 30, 2026
Kudos to @APEDADOC for facilitating the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives.
This milestone unlocks new opportunities for Karnataka's mango growers, encouraging greater… pic.twitter.com/CUBBHx7hHj
He added that the milestone unlocks new opportunities for Karnataka’s mango growers, encourages greater participation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), exporters and agri-entrepreneurs while enhancing their presence in international markets.
Strengthening India’s Agricultural Export Ecosystem
The Ministry said initiatives such as this contribute to the diversification of India’s agricultural exports while creating sustainable opportunities for farmers and the horticulture sector.
By strengthening export infrastructure, expanding global market access and promoting India’s premium mango, APEDA aims to support farmers, exporters and agri-entrepreneurs while enhancing India’s position in international agricultural trade.
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