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In a first, India’s Maldah mangoes land in New York
Bihar Foundation’s USA East Coast Chapter played a crucial role in facilitating the effort.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 21, Jun 2025
- 15:07 EDT
- 44
Maldah mangoes / Image Courtsey: Alok Kumar
In a significant development for India’s perishable exports, a shipment of Maldah mangoes from Bhagalpur, Bihar has made its way directly to New York. This arrival not only highlights a breakthrough in export logistics but also provides a taste of home for the Indian diaspora residing thousands of miles away.
The mangoes, known locally as Langra and widely regarded for their distinct aroma and flavor, were flown in as part of a pilot export effort led by agri-logistics firm Upajguru. The project was facilitated jointly by the Government of Bihar, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and the Bihar Foundation’s USA East Coast Chapter.
Also Read: In a first, Maharashtra exports pomegranates to US via sea shipment
“This isn’t just about mangoes,” said Ravi Soni, founder of Upajguru, who coordinated the supply chain. “It’s about connecting small farmers in Bihar to global markets—and showing it can be done.”
The fruit was sourced from the Bhagalpur orchard of Nimesh Rai, who uses organic methods to grow the region’s celebrated variety. Getting them across continents involved tight logistics and regulatory approvals, particularly for a perishable crop. APEDA oversaw compliance and cold-chain standards, while diaspora volunteers in the U.S. handled local delivery and outreach.
The arrival was met with enthusiasm from Indian Americans, especially those from Bihar, who had pre-ordered boxes and followed the effort closely on social media. While the volume was small, the symbolic weight was significant.
“This shipment was years in the making,” said Alok Kumar, chairman of the Bihar Foundation USA East Coast. “There have been attempts before, but this is the first time the fruit actually made it through a direct supply chain to the U.S.”
Exporting mangoes to the U.S. is notoriously difficult due to stringent import rules and the perishability of the crop. The Maldah variety, less commercialized than the Alphonso or Kesar, has rarely made it beyond Indian borders in a fresh state.
Still, the focus for many involved wasn’t on expansion but recognition.
“For farmers like Nimesh Rai, this is validation,” said Soni. “He’s been growing this mango for decades. Now people in New York are tasting the result.”
What set this effort apart was the combination of government backing, private initiative, and grassroots diaspora support. The team behind the shipment is already preparing for a larger rollout next year, provided they can scale infrastructure and manage costs.
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