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 promoting the state's late-season mango varieties in global markets.

The one-metric-tonne consignment was sourced from farmers associated with Prakruthimaya Farmers Producer Company Ltd. in Kolar district and exported by Ahalya Devi Ventures, a newly registered woman-led export firm.

The initiative helped farmers earn over 50% higher returns compared to conventional markets and is expected to boost exports of Karnataka's premium mango varieties while strengthening India's horticulture export ecosystem.