KARNATAKA — Farmers cultivating the prized Totapuri mango in Karnataka’s Malnad and coastal districts are facing a deepening financial crisis after wholesale prices fell to historic lows this season, the latest reports show.
According to a survey conducted by the Karnataka State Horticultural Board and shared with The Hindu, the average farm‑gate price for Totapuri mangoes dropped to ₹30 per kilogram in early June, down from ₹70 per kilogram at the same time last year. The sharp decline follows a glut in supply, delayed arrivals at major markets in Mumbai and Delhi, and reduced demand from overseas buyers who cite logistical bottlenecks and higher freight costs.
Farmers say the price collapse has forced many to postpone debt repayments, cut back on essential inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, and, in some cases, abandon mango cultivation altogether. “We harvested 12 tonnes this year, but we are getting barely enough to cover the cost of cultivation,” one farmer from the Hassan district told reporters.
The state government has announced a limited relief package that includes a ₹5 billion fund to support horticulture growers, with a portion earmarked for mango farmers. However, officials acknowledge that disbursement mechanisms are still being finalised, and many farmers have not yet received any assistance.
Analysis:
The price crash underscores the vulnerability of small‑scale horticulture producers to market volatility and supply‑chain disruptions. Karnataka accounts for roughly 30 percent of India’s Totapuri mango output, a variety that commands a premium in both domestic and export markets. With the current price level, the profitability margin for many growers has turned negative, raising the risk of a supply contraction in future seasons.
Potential policy responses could include establishing a minimum support price (MSP) for Totapuri mangoes, improving cold‑chain infrastructure to reduce post‑harvest losses, and facilitating direct farmer‑to‑exporter linkages to bypass middlemen. Critics argue that ad‑hoc relief packages are insufficient without structural reforms that address price discovery and market access.
The ongoing distress may also have broader socioeconomic implications. Rural indebtedness could rise, prompting increased reliance on informal credit sources, while labor migration from mango‑growing regions to urban centres may intensify. Monitoring the situation will be essential to gauge whether temporary assistance can stabilise the sector or if deeper interventions are required.
Sources
– “Totapuri mango farmers slip further into distress as price crash continues,” The Hindu, June 2026, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/totapuri-mango-farmers-slip-further-into-distress-as-price-crash-continues/article71193640.ece
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source.
