Has the Centre Approved Market Intervention Price for Andhra Pradesh's Totapuri Mangoes?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Centre has approved a Market Intervention Price for Totapuri mangoes.
- Farmers will receive a price of Rs 1,490.73 per quintal.
- Direct Benefit Transfer Support will be provided to farmers.
- The initiative aims to stabilize farmers' incomes amid market fluctuations.
- The state government has allocated Rs 260 crore to support the farmers.
Amaravati, July 22 (NationPress) In a significant move to support farmers cultivating the Totapuri mango variety in Andhra Pradesh, the Centre has sanctioned the Market Intervention Price.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued directives authorizing the Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for the upcoming Totapuri mango season 2025-26.
Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their approval of the PDP under the MIS.
This initiative will encompass 1.62 lakh tonnes of mangoes, with a Market Intervention Price (MIP) set at Rs 1,490.73 per quintal. Both the Centre and State will share the MIP costs equally. Farmers will benefit from Direct Benefit Transfer Support.
This initiative aims to protect farmers from price fluctuations, ensuring fair compensation and enhancing rural livelihoods, stated Chandra Sekhar.
He informed the press in Delhi on Tuesday that the state government had already allocated Rs 260 crore to provide an additional Rs 4 per kg to Totapuri mango farmers facing challenges due to a significant drop in prices.
The Centre has issued instructions to reimburse Rs 130 crore of the Rs 260 crore pledged by the state government.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and State Agriculture Minister K. Atchen Naidu had urged the Centre for this support.
Chandra Sekhar noted that this is the first time the Centre has introduced the MIS for mangoes.
He remarked that this year's drastic decline in the market price of Totapuri mangoes has caused severe losses for farmers. He is hopeful that the Centre will continue its support under the MIS in the future if needed.
Last week, the state government authorized the Director of Horticulture and Sericulture (DoH and S) to procure 6.50 lakh tonnes of the Totapuri variety for the current season, ensuring a profitable price for growers.
This measure will guarantee a minimum procurement price of Rs 12 per kg. While pulp processing companies will contribute Rs 8 per kg, the government will cover the remaining Rs 4.
This initiative is anticipated to assist farmers in maintaining their mango cultivation in the combined Chittoor district and avert distress sales.
The opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) claimed that the government took action only after its leader and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy visited the area.