Bengaluru

Thefarm export development body, APEDA, has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives, officials said on Friday.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This shipment marks a significant milestone in promoting Karnataka’s late-season mango varieties in international markets and further strengthening India’s mango export basket, officials said.

According to an official statement, the consignment was flagged off on July 30 by Chairman, APEDA, Abhishek Dev, who appreciated the collective efforts of the exporter, the Farmer Producer Company (FPC), farmers and all stakeholders involved in making the 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.

“The export consignment, comprising one metric tonne of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes, was sourced directly from farmers associated with Prakruthimaya Farmers Producer Company Ltd., KGF Taluk, Kolar district of Karnataka,” the statement said.

The shipment was exported by Ashwini A, Director of Ahalya Devi Ventures, a newly registered woman entrepreneur and exporter, highlighting the growing participation of women entrepreneurs in India’s agri-export ecosystem, it added.

Officials noted that Neelam mango is widely appreciated for its sweet, juicy pulp, rich aroma and suitability for desserts, smoothies and beverages. Totapuri mango is known for its distinctive shape, sweet-tangy flavour and versatility for both fresh consumption and processing.

Harvested from late June to the end of July, these late-season varieties offer an opportunity to extend India’s mango export season and cater to international demand beyond the peak harvest period, it said.

“The air shipment highlights the growing export potential of Karnataka’s horticulture sector and demonstrates how Farmer Producer Companies are playing an important role in connecting farmers with global markets through organised aggregation, quality produce and export-oriented supply chains,” the statement said.

Farmers associated with the Farmer Producer Company realised over 50 per cent higher returns through this export initiative compared to conventional market channels, officials said.

The achievement underscores the value of direct procurement, export market linkages and organised aggregation in enhancing farmers’ incomes while encouraging wider adoption of export-oriented cultivation practices, they said.

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, the statement added.