Why is Stalin urging PM Modi to protect mango farmers?
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has made an urgent appeal to PM Modi to protect mango farmers by improving export infrastructure and enforcing quality standards for mango beverages. This call comes in light of falling prices and a crisis affecting thousands of farmers.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action is needed to protect mango farmers in Tamil Nadu.
- Enhancing export infrastructure can significantly help the agricultural economy.
- Maintaining strict quality standards is essential for consumer safety and farmers' welfare.
- Support from APEDA is critical for connecting local producers to international markets.
- Tamil Nadu has the potential to increase its contribution to India's agricultural exports.
Chennai, Oct 14 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate action to secure the interests of mango farmers by improving export infrastructure and implementing stringent quality regulations for mango-based drinks.
In a comprehensive letter directed to the Prime Minister, Stalin highlighted the drastic decline in procurement prices and the reduced demand for mango pulp, causing distress among thousands of farmers who cultivate processable mango varieties.
He pointed out that even after his previous appeal to the Union government on June 24, 2025, the situation remains dire, with growers and processors incurring significant losses.
The Chief Minister voiced particular alarm over allegations that numerous juice manufacturers are breaching Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations by decreasing the fruit-pulp content in mango beverages.
He stated that such actions not only mislead consumers but also jeopardize the livelihoods of farmers.
“Consumer safety and farmers’ welfare are interconnected. The Centre must guarantee that all mango-based beverages contain at least 18–20 percent fruit pulp,” Stalin remarked, emphasizing that maintaining quality standards would naturally enhance pulp procurement and ensure fair compensation for farmers.
To rejuvenate the sector and bolster export potential, the Chief Minister requested specific support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Commerce Ministry.
He suggested establishing integrated pack houses, inland container depots, cold-storage ports, and quality-testing laboratories, along with organizing buyer-seller meetings and export capacity-building initiatives. These measures, he argued, would facilitate Tamil Nadu’s producers in accessing international markets.
Stalin underscored that Tamil Nadu, as a prominent mango-producing state, holds substantial potential to enhance India’s agricultural exports if adequate infrastructure and policy frameworks are provided.
“The Prime Minister’s prompt intervention will not only protect the interests of mango farmers but also significantly boost the national economy through increased exports and value addition,” he stated.
The Chief Minister’s request comes amid growing concerns among mango-growing communities in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Salem districts, where prices have drastically fallen due to diminished demand from pulp-processing industries this season.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight that M.K. Stalin's appeal for the protection of mango farmers reflects a broader concern for agricultural sustainability in India. The government's immediate attention to infrastructure and quality standards is essential not just for farmers' livelihoods, but also for the overall health of the agricultural economy.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns raised by M.K. Stalin?
M.K. Stalin's concerns revolve around the declining procurement prices for mangoes, the reduced demand for mango pulp, and violations of quality standards by juice manufacturers.
What actions does Stalin propose to improve the situation for mango farmers?
Stalin suggests enhancing export infrastructure, enforcing strict quality standards for mango beverages, and seeking support from APEDA to connect producers to global markets.
Why is the intervention of the Prime Minister significant?
The Prime Minister's intervention is crucial for implementing policies that protect farmers' interests and boost agricultural exports, which could have a positive impact on the national economy.
