What Compensation is the Central Government Offering to Karnataka's Mango Farmers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Central government announces compensation for Karnataka's mango farmers.
- Compensation is part of the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme.
- Approximately 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes to be compensated.
- Farmers face financial stress due to falling market prices.
- Joint support from Central and state governments.
Bengaluru, June 22 (NationPress) The Central government has revealed that it will provide compensation for mango farmers in Karnataka through the 'Price Deficiency Payment Scheme' (PDPS) due to the significant drop in mango prices.
This financial support will be a collaborative effort between the Central and state governments.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed on X, "Considering the situation stemming from the falling market price of mangoes in Karnataka, the Central government has made a crucial decision to guarantee that farmers receive a fair price for their produce."
“I have engaged in comprehensive discussions with Karnataka's Agriculture Minister, N. Cheluvarayaswamy. It has been determined that compensation for around 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes will be offered to farmers,” he added.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, farmer welfare is a primary focus for the central government. We stand resolutely by the farmers in all situations. Our persistent aim is to ensure that farmers receive full compensation for their labor,” the Minister further stated.
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has expressed gratitude to the Union government for providing assurance of compensation for mango farmers in Karnataka.
On social media platform X, Union Minister Joshi remarked, "Mango farmers in Karnataka have been guaranteed just compensation despite market variances, thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and the proactive measures taken by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivaraj Chouhan."
“This initiative underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of our farmers. We are sincerely thankful for this timely and considerate support,” he stated.
On June 13, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called upon Union Minister for Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to implement urgent ‘Price Deficiency Payment’ and ‘Market Intervention Scheme’ for the state’s mango farmers.
The Chief Minister had sent a letter to Union Minister Chouhan regarding this issue.
“I am writing to urgently bring to your attention the severe distress faced by mango farmers in Karnataka due to a sharp and unsustainable decline in market rates during this harvest season.
"Mango is a key horticultural crop in Karnataka, cultivated over approximately 1.39 lakh hectares, with an estimated production of 8 to 10 lakh metric tonnes this Rabi season, especially in Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, and Bengaluru South districts,” the Chief Minister explained.
CM Siddaramaiah continued: “During the peak harvest months from May to July, high market arrivals have triggered drastic price fluctuations. Prices, once around Rs 12,000 per quintal, have now fallen to as low as Rs 3,000 per quintal, while the Karnataka State Agriculture Price Commission has set the cost of cultivation at Rs 5,466 per quintal.
"This stark discrepancy between production costs and market earnings has pushed the farming community into severe financial distress.”
“Thousands of small and marginal mango growers are struggling to recoup even their basic input expenses, leading to widespread protests and increasing agrarian anxiety. If immediate and effective measures are not taken, this crisis could result in serious socio-economic repercussions in the region,” he added.