17 hours ago
Implement CM's directives for mango farmers' welfare: MP
Chittoor: Chittoor MP D Prasad Rao on Saturday underlined the need for strict adherence to the directives issued by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, whose top priority is the welfare of mango farmers.
In a statement, the MP highlighted the importance of implementing the government's measures without deviation.
He urged officials to ensure the reopening of mango pulp processing units and facilitate the purchase of Totapuri mangoes directly from farmers to prevent losses.
The latter expressed his gratitude to Naidu for announcing a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs.12,000 per tonne for Totapuri mangoes, a move that has brought great relief to farmers.
Welcoming the MSP announcement, he praised the coalition government for standing firmly on the side of farmers.
He called on officials to understand the government's intent and raise awareness among mango farmers about sending only ripened fruit to processing industries.
He stressed the need for horticulture and agriculture assistants to work extensively at the grassroots level to educate farmers on this issue.
Further, he instructed the district administration to display daily updates about operational mango pulp units and to implement strict surveillance at the state borders to monitor and regulate mango imports from neighbouring states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Prasad Rao also advised officials to continuously assess the situation at processing units to prevent any inconvenience to farmers.
He underlined the responsibility of district authorities to ensure that pulp industries purchase Totapuri mangoes as per the government's guidelines and that farmers receive the announced support price.
