Karnataka’s Neelam and Totapuri Mangoes Make First Air Journey to Maldives

India has expanded the international reach of its mango exports with the first-ever air shipment of Karnataka-grown Neelam and Totapuri mangoes to the Maldives. The consignment, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, was flagged off on July 30, 2026.

The export represents an important step in introducing Karnataka’s late-season mango varieties to overseas consumers while extending India’s mango-export window beyond the main harvest period.

The one-tonne consignment was sourced directly from farmers associated with Prakruthimaya Farmers Producer Company Limited in KGF Taluk of Karnataka’s Kolar district. The shipment was handled by Ahalya Devi Ventures, led by its director Ashwini A, a newly registered woman exporter.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off the shipment and acknowledged the contribution of the farmers, the Farmer Producer Company, the exporter and other stakeholders involved in the initiative. He said such export linkages could open new markets for regional mango varieties and support sustainable income growth for cultivators.

Farmers Secure Higher Returns

One of the most significant outcomes of the export was the financial benefit received by participating farmers. According to the official information, farmers earned more than 50 per cent higher returns compared with conventional domestic marketing channels.

The improvement was made possible through direct procurement, organised aggregation and access to an international buyer. By reducing dependence on traditional intermediaries and connecting growers directly with export supply chains, the initiative demonstrated how Farmer Producer Companies can strengthen farmers’ bargaining power.

The shipment also highlighted the importance of collective marketing. Farmer Producer Companies can bring together produce from several growers, ensure consistent quality, coordinate grading and packaging, and meet the quantity and documentation requirements of overseas markets.

Extending India’s Mango Export Season

Neelam and Totapuri mangoes are generally harvested from late June until the end of July, after many of India’s better-known mango varieties have passed their peak season.

Neelam mangoes are valued for their sweet and juicy pulp, strong aroma and suitability for desserts, beverages and smoothies. Totapuri mangoes, recognised by their elongated shape, offer a distinctive sweet-and-tangy flavour and are widely used for both fresh consumption and processing.

Their late harvesting period provides India with an opportunity to supply mangoes to global markets for a longer duration. Promoting these varieties abroad could help diversify the country’s export basket and reduce the heavy concentration on a limited number of premium mango varieties.

Women’s Participation in Agricultural Exports

The shipment also reflected the growing role of women entrepreneurs in India’s agricultural export sector. The consignment was exported by a newly registered woman-led enterprise, demonstrating how smaller businesses and first-generation exporters can participate in international agricultural trade.

Greater participation by women entrepreneurs could support the development of new sourcing networks, processing ventures, logistics services and export businesses linked to horticulture.

New Opportunities for Karnataka’s Horticulture Sector

Karnataka is a major producer of horticultural crops, and the successful shipment illustrates the potential for increasing exports of fruits grown in the state. Kolar and surrounding regions possess organised farming communities that can benefit from stronger access to international markets.

The Maldives offers a promising destination for Indian fresh produce because of its geographical proximity, tourism-driven demand and dependence on imported food products. Air transport also allows perishable fruits such as mangoes to reach consumers quickly while retaining freshness and quality.

The successful export is expected to encourage more Farmer Producer Organisations, Farmer Producer Companies, exporters and agri-entrepreneurs to explore overseas markets for premium fruits and other horticultural products.

APEDA’s Role in Expanding Market Access

APEDA, which functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, works with state governments, exporters, farmer organisations and other stakeholders to promote India’s agricultural and processed-food exports.

Its support includes facilitating market access, strengthening export infrastructure, assisting exporters in meeting international standards and connecting organised farmer groups with overseas buyers.

The Maldives shipment demonstrates how coordinated efforts involving farmers, producer organisations, entrepreneurs and government agencies can create new commercial opportunities. It also shows that agricultural exports can deliver measurable benefits to cultivators when produce is sourced directly and marketed through organised channels.

The first air shipment of Karnataka’s Neelam and Totapuri mangoes therefore marks more than the opening of a new export route. It represents a model for extending India’s fruit-export season, promoting regional varieties, supporting women-led enterprises and improving farmers’ earnings through direct access to global markets.

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Source: PIB

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