New Delhi — The Andhra Pradesh government announced a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹4 per kilogram for Totapuri mangoes grown in the Chittoor district, citing a sharp decline in exports of the fruit. The decision was disclosed by Chittoor district collector S. Ravi Kumar during a press briefing on Thursday.
The collector said Totapuri mangoes are primarily cultivated for pulp extraction rather than fresh‑fruit sales, and the processing sector’s reduced demand has left growers increasingly dependent on a single market. “The export market for Totapuri pulp has contracted significantly over the past year, putting pressure on farmers who lack alternative outlets,” Kumar told reporters. “The ₹4‑per‑kg MSP is intended to provide a safety net while we explore measures to revive export demand.”
The MSP announcement follows a broader trend of falling mango exports from India, which has traditionally been a leading global supplier of mango pulp. Industry analysts attribute the downturn to a combination of higher freight costs, stricter phytosanitary standards in key destination markets, and competition from other pulp‑producing nations.
The government’s move has drawn mixed reactions. Some farmer groups welcomed the price floor, arguing that it offers immediate relief to those facing cash‑flow challenges. Others warned that the low MSP may not fully offset the loss of income from the export market, especially for larger growers who rely on volume sales.
The state agriculture department indicated that the MSP will be payable through the existing procurement channels managed by the Chittoor Agricultural Marketing Board. Details on the total budget allocation for the scheme were not disclosed.
Analysis:
Setting an MSP at ₹4 per kilogram is modest compared to the market price that Totapuri mangoes have fetched in the past, reflecting both the fruit’s limited fresh‑market appeal and the constrained margins in pulp processing. By anchoring a floor price, the government is attempting to stabilize farm incomes while it addresses the underlying export challenges. However, without concurrent measures—such as easing logistics, negotiating trade terms, or diversifying processing capacity—the MSP alone may provide only short‑term relief. Stakeholders will likely monitor how quickly export volumes recover and whether the price support can be adjusted in response to market shifts.
Sources
The Hindu, “Government announces ₹4 per kg MSP for Chittoor Totapuri mangoes amid export decline,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/government-announces-4-per-kg-msp-for-chittoor-totapuri-mangoes-amid-export-decline/article71189114.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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