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News18
9 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Mango Wars: Karnataka Calls For Federalism, Andhra Pradesh Asks It To Work For Farmers
Last Updated: The conflict intensified after Siddaramaiah penned a letter to his Andhra counterpart, urging the withdrawal of a ban on the entry of Karnataka-grown Totapuri mangoes into Chittoor A simmering dispute over the trade of Totapuri mangoes has erupted between neighbours Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, with accusations of protectionism and calls for federalism dominating the discourse. The conflict intensified after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah penned a letter to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, urging the withdrawal of a ban on the entry of Karnataka-grown Totapuri mangoes into Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district. Siddaramaiah's letter highlighted the 'considerable hardship" being faced by Karnataka's mango farmers due to the alleged ban. Karnataka argues that such restrictions impede the free movement of agricultural produce and disregard the principles of federalism. Andhra Pradesh Hits Back Andhra Pradesh, however, has swiftly retaliated, asserting that its actions are aimed at safeguarding its own mango farmers from a potential market collapse. Sources within the Andhra Pradesh government contend that Karnataka has failed to announce a crucial support price for its farmers, making their mangoes significantly cheaper. 'Karnataka's price is quite low, around Rs 5 per kilogram," an Andhra Pradesh government source stated. 'If we allow Karnataka mangoes to enter, processors would naturally prefer to buy from them, which would cause a major crisis for our own farmers and could even lead to significant law and order issues." Recognising the challenge of low prices and anticipated high supplies, the Andhra Pradesh government has further agreed to supplement this price by an additional Rs 4 per kilogram. This ensures a reasonable farmer realisation of Rs 12 per kilogram. The state has ambitious plans to procure 5.5 lakh tonnes of mangoes this year, earmarking Rs 220 crore for this price augmentation initiative. 'Karnataka hasn't announced any price for their farmers and should do so to ensure minimum viability for their farmers," an Andhra Pradesh government source reiterated. Farmers Protest Adding to the complexity, mango farmers in Karnataka's Srinivaspur region staged a 10-hour 'bandh' (strike) on Wednesday, demanding a support price of Rs 15 per kilogram for their produce. The bandh, called by the Mango Growers' Association and other farmer organisations, saw protesters gather on Chintamani Road on the outskirts of Srinivaspur town. Following two rounds of talks with the deputy commissioner, and assurances that district in-charge minister Byrathi Suresh would address their concerns, the protesters curtailed their bandh. Narayana Gowda, a mango farmer from Srinivaspura, voiced his frustration: 'The district administration and the [Andhra Pradesh] government have put a condition that at any cost you shouldn't buy mango from Srinivaspura market, and if they do, they won't be given minimum support price. In a democracy, you can sell any vegetable and fruit anywhere. I don't know why the Andhra Pradesh government has said this." First Published: June 13, 2025, 17:15 IST
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Mango farmers in Karnataka's Kolar observe bandh over collapsing market prices
A bandh was observed across Srinivaspur taluk in Karnataka's Kolar district on Wednesday as mango growers protested a severe and unexpected collapse in prices. Called by the Mango Growers' Association, the bandh highlighted widespread distress among farmers and traders, many of whom rely solely on mango cultivation for their and businesses remained closed, public transport was suspended, and police presence was heightened to ensure order. Although many educational institutions stayed shut, the Education Department had not officially declared a holiday. Only essential services were allowed to operate during the bandh, which was scheduled 6 am to 6 the past fortnight, Srinivaspur, known as the mango capital of the world, has seen chaos in its once-thriving mango market. From the start of the season, prices have been steadily falling. While unseasonal rains in some parts of the taluk affected crop quality, a broader collapse in market demand has left large quantities of produce unsold. Currently, a ton of mangoes fetches only Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000, a sharp decline from the Rs 15,000 per ton farmers received in previous years. The sharp fall in prices and lack of buyers have severely impacted incomes, causing concern for the nearly 70 per cent of Srinivaspur farmers who depend entirely on mango leader Chinnaparareddy, president of the Mango Growers' Association, appealed for public support and requested that the bandh be observed peacefully. He reiterated the community's demand for the state government to announce a minimum support price to prevent further losses. The protest was backed by several progressive, Kannada and farmer-friendly authorities have directed that while the protest may go ahead peacefully, no business owner should be compelled to shut shop against their will. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
