Centre announces Rs 1,490 support price for Totapuri mango farmers
The move comes as a major relief to mango growers who were struggling due to a price crash caused by a bumper harvest. With mango pulp factories offering low prices, farmers were unable to recover their costs. In response, state agriculture minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu undertook an extensive tour of Chittoor district, met farmers and factory representatives, and swiftly raised the issue with chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Acting promptly, Naidu directed that mangoes be procured at 8 per kg by pulp factories, and the govt would provide a 4/kg subsidy, ensuring farmers received a total of 12 per kg.
Taking it further, minister Atchannaidu visited Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi to seek support. His efforts bore fruit with the Centre's announcement on Tuesday.
"This is a historic step. No other state has given such a high subsidy. We've ensured that farmers are not pushed into losses," said Atchannaidu, thanking the CM and the Union govt for their timely support. Totapuri mango farmers have expressed gratitude to the state govt, calling the move a lifeline in a tough year.
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