A.P. Minister Vows Support for Mango Farmers’ Interests

Rapid Summary:

• Totapuri mango production in Andhra Pradesh surged from 2.5 lakh metric tonnes last year to 6.5 lakh metric tonnes this year.
• The high yield created distress through a sharp decline in mango prices.
• The Andhra pradesh government announced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) strategy:

– ₹4 per kg as direct procurement support.
– ₹8 per kg for pulp units, totaling ₹12 per kg overall support.

• Letters were sent to the Central Government requesting ₹130 crore under the Market Intervention Scheme.
• Current procurement efforts have covered around 3.08 lakh tonnes of mangoes across Chittoor, tirupati, and Annamayya districts; 81,000 tonnes sold to other states through markets and ramps.
• Around 50,922 farmers have benefited from sales measures so far.
• The state has restricted inflow of Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu into local markets to stabilize prices for local farmers.
• Efforts are being made to reduce GST on mango pulp from 12% to 5%, aiming to support pulp industries.

indian Opinion Analysis:

The state’s response underscores both challenges and opportunities arising out of bumper agricultural yields. While the sharp increase in Totapuri mango output reflects improved farming conditions or practices, it also showcases the volatile market dynamics inherent in such high production years. Preventing distress sales through MSP measures demonstrates proactive governance focused on farmer welfare.

Blocking imports from neighboring states adds an element of localized protectionism but may lead to mounting pressure between regional traders if prolonged beyond stabilization goals.Efforts like GST reduction for mango pulp manufacturing indicate an intent toward systemic relief benefiting both upstream producers (farmers) and downstream industries (processors).

Long-term strategies balancing surplus management-including storage facilities or diversification-may be essential as similar boom cycles could repeat across other crops facing glut risks.

Read More: Published – July 09, 2025 07:30 pm IST