Andhra Pradesh BJP president P.V.N. Madhav expressed serious concern over the distress faced by mango farmers in Chittoor district, particularly growers of the Totapuri variety, due to sharp fall in market prices.
He stated in a press release on Saturday (June 27, 2026) that while the State government’s decision to provide ₹4 per kg as support price to the mango farmers was offering temporary relief, a permanent and sustainable solution was the need of the hour.
The recurring crisis being faced by the farmers every season highlights the urgency of structural reforms in the horticulture sector, he stressed.
Mr. Madhav emphasised that the mango industry in Chittoor district should be transformed through value addition, diversification, branding and stronger market linkages, and instead of depending solely on the sale of raw mangoes, the government should encourage processing industries, pulp manufacturing units and export-oriented infrastructure to ensure better returns for farmers.
He further suggested the adoption of successful models of branding and promoting a diversified mix of mango varieties based on market demand and strengthening of farmer producers’ organisations to enhance the bargaining power of farmers and help them secure better prices through collective marketing.
Also, he called upon the Central and the State governments, agricultural scientists, MSMEs, food processing industries and other stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the long-term development of Chittoor’s district’s horticulture sector to ensure that no farmer was forced to dump his produce on the roads due to lack of remunerative prices.
Published - June 28, 2026 12:15 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
