The central government has approved the procurement of Karnataka's Totapuri mangoes under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), providing a significant boost to mango farmers in the state. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, for this decision.
Details of the Procurement Approval
The approval was granted by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, which will implement the procurement through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED). The PSS aims to protect farmers from distress sales by ensuring they receive a minimum support price for their produce. The Karnataka government had been pressing for this procurement to stabilize prices and support the livelihoods of mango growers, especially in the wake of fluctuating market conditions.
According to an official statement, the procurement will cover Totapuri mangoes, a variety known for its firm flesh and suitability for processing into juices, purees, and concentrates. The move is expected to benefit thousands of farmers in districts like Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, and others where Totapuri mangoes are extensively cultivated.
Kumaraswamy's Acknowledgment
HD Kumaraswamy, who represents the Janata Dal (Secular) and is a former Chief Minister of Karnataka, took to social media to thank the central leadership. "I am immensely grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Pralhad Joshi for approving the procurement of Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka under the Price Support Scheme. This will provide much-needed relief to our farmers who have been facing price volatility," he said in a statement.
He further emphasized that the initiative aligns with the central government's commitment to doubling farmers' income and ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce. Kumaraswamy also acknowledged the efforts of the state's agriculture department and farmer organizations in pushing for this demand.
Impact on Farmers and the Mango Industry
Karnataka is one of the leading mango-producing states in India, with Totapuri mangoes accounting for a significant share of its horticultural output. The variety is also a key raw material for the food processing industry, with major demand from juice and pulp manufacturers. However, farmers often face price crashes during peak harvest seasons due to glut in the market.
The PSS intervention is expected to stabilize prices by creating a government-backed purchase mechanism. NAFED will procure the mangoes at the minimum support price (MSP) fixed by the government, ensuring farmers recover their production costs. The procured mangoes will be used for buffer stocks and supply to processing units, reducing wastage and enhancing value addition.
Industry experts estimate that the procurement could cover up to 10-15% of the total Totapuri mango production in the state, depending on market conditions. The exact quantity and price will be determined by the government in consultation with state agencies.
Broader Context of Price Support Scheme
The Price Support Scheme is part of the government's larger strategy to support horticulture crops, which are not covered under the traditional Minimum Support Price (MSP) system for cereals. In recent years, the government has expanded PSS to include perishable commodities like onions, potatoes, and mangoes to prevent distress sales. The scheme is implemented through central agencies like NAFED and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in coordination with state governments.
Karnataka's mango farmers have welcomed the move, with many hoping it will set a precedent for similar interventions for other crops. The state government has also been promoting mango processing clusters to enhance value addition and reduce post-harvest losses.
The procurement is expected to commence in the coming weeks as the mango season peaks. Farmers are advised to register with their local agricultural cooperative societies to avail the benefits of the scheme.
