In a significant development for India's horticultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives, marking a major milestone in expanding the international reach of India's premium late-season mango varieties.

The export initiative is aimed at strengthening India's fresh produce trade by connecting farmers directly with overseas markets while enhancing the global visibility of Karnataka's mangoes. The successful shipment demonstrates the growing demand for Indian mangoes in international markets and reinforces APEDA's commitment to diversifying export destinations for the country's agricultural produce.

By enabling direct access to export markets, the initiative has helped participating farmers realise over 50% higher returns compared to domestic sales, providing a significant boost to farm incomes and encouraging greater participation in export-oriented horticulture.

The shipment is also expected to strengthen Karnataka's horticulture sector by creating new market opportunities for late-season mango varieties such as Neelam and Totapuri. Furthermore, it extends India's mango export season, allowing exporters to cater to international demand beyond the traditional export window.

The initiative aligns with APEDA's ongoing efforts to promote India's agricultural exports through market diversification, improved supply chain connectivity, and enhanced value realisation for farmers. By facilitating access to high-value international markets, APEDA continues to support the growth of India's fresh fruit exports while reinforcing the country's reputation as a reliable supplier of premium-quality horticultural produce.