APEDA Facilitates First Air Shipment of Karnataka Mangoes to Maldives

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives on 30 July 2026. The consignment weighed one metric tonne and was flagged off by Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, Chairman of APEDA.

APEDA and Agricultural Exports

APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It was established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985, for the development and promotion of exports of scheduled agricultural and processed food products.

Neelam and Totapuri Mango Varieties

Neelam and Totapuri are important mango varieties grown in southern India. Neelam is a late-season variety, while Totapuri is widely used for both table consumption and processing because of its fibre content and distinct shape.

Farmer and Exporter Linkages

The mangoes were sourced directly from farmers associated with M/s Prakruthimaya Farmers Producer Company Ltd. in KGF Taluk of Kolar district, Karnataka. The shipment was handled by Mrs. Ashwini A, Director of M/s Ahalya Devi Ventures, who is a woman entrepreneur and exporter.

Important Facts for Exams

• APEDA functions as the nodal export promotion body for scheduled agricultural and processed food products in India.
• Kolar district in Karnataka is known for mango cultivation, especially varieties grown for domestic and export markets.
• Farmers Producer Companies are registered entities under the Companies Act, 2013, and they support collective farming and marketing.
• Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean and imports several food items through air and sea routes.

Export Basket and Market Access

India exports mangoes in fresh and processed forms to multiple international markets. Late-season varieties such as Neelam and Totapuri are used to widen the seasonal export basket and support year-round market supply.